Culture and History in Palma
Palma is loaded with museums and galleries with comprehensive archaeological collections from all periods and famous works by local and internationally renowned artists. Many are situated in the heart of the city in both modern and traditional buildings that are themselves attractions.
Majorca Museum: near the Gothic cathedral is classified as Majorca's most important museum and is housed in a 17th century palace. Its large collections include prehistoric and Moorish remains, as well as a number of important paintings.
The Museu d’Art Espanyol Contemporani: on Sant Miquel in central Palma is situated in an 18th century building and boasts a collection of masterpieces by Picasso, Miró, Dalí and 49 other local and international artists. Temporary exhibitions are also on display and the building has additional activities.
Es Baluard - Museu d'Art Modern i Contemporani de Palma: has a wonderful view over the harbour and Bellver Castle and houses temporary and permanent exhibits. This museum of modern and contemporary art is a new museum with works by the likes of Picasso and Cezanne.
La Llotja Museum: is located in the beautiful 15th century exchange building on Palma Bay. The interior is one of high vaulting and intricate pillars and the museum contains regular and temporary exhibitions.
Museo Pilar i Joan Miró Foundation: is located just outside Palma towards Cala Mayor in the Pilar Joan Foundation building, a work of art in itself with clever use of stone. Joan Miró’s studio is on display in the museum along with several of his works.
La Caixa Foundation: was originally an early 19th century luxury hotel (La Gran Hotel) and is now an art gallery that contains paintings by Hermen Anglada-Camarasa and other temporary exhibitions.
Can Marques: is a delightful 14th century manor house on Calle Zanglada near to the Gothic cathedral.
Diocesan Museum: contains numerous religious relics and is also located near the cathedral in the former Episcopal palace. Exhibitions include fine Arab tapestries, ceramics, a portrait of Sant Jordi and a painting of Jesus as a baby.
Museu Krekovic: on Carrer de Ciutat de Queretaro 3 contains paintings from Latin America as well as from mainland Spain and many works by the famed Croatian, Kristian Krekovic.
Museu Municipal: contains Gothic art, modern works and archaeological pieces and is located in the old Dominican monastery.
City History Museum: is located inside Castell de Bellver on a hilltop above the city. The museum showcases Palma’s importance, with pottery collections dating back as far as the Talaiotics, as well as from the Roman, Arab and Spanish periods. There is also a contemporary Spanish art collection with works by Picasso, Dalí and Miró.
Other museums in town are: the Cathedral Museum, with its art, gold and silver collections; Palau de l’Almudaina, with its tapestries and antiques; the Lebasi Art Gallery, with its brilliant contemporary art gallery; Casa Museum; the Historic Military Museum; and the Dolls Museum.
