Our Menorca Art List

Lately, our travels have taken us through art capitals such as Florence, which makes perfect sense given our love for art. But Menorca? We never imagined this tranquil island, famed for its stunning crystalline waters, could also be a treasure of artistic experiences! Spain's allure is well-documented, with its delicious olives, exquisite wine, refreshing beer, dry-cured ham for meat lovers, and sumptuous seafood. Barcelona and Madrid are well-known cultural powerhouses. But Menorca has quietly emerged as a captivating destination, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and burgeoning art scenes.

As we wandered around Menorca, the island gradually carved out a special place in our hearts, uncovering beauty, calmness, and inspiration. Here's a short list of art venues to give you a glimpse of how to explore the island if you're in search of art or simply looking for inspiring corners.

Sala D'Exposicions El Roser

While exploring the charming streets of Ciutadella, we stumbled upon the historic building of Sala D'Exposicions El Roser. Once a church constructed between the late 17th and early 18th centuries, El Roser is a remarkable example of Baroque architecture in Menorca. The building features a Latin cross floor plan with a single nave, five chapels on each side, and a transept covered by a dome topped with a lantern. Notable for its 19th-century bell tower and the use of "marès" stone in its interior, this space has been beautifully preserved and repurposed as a significant cultural venue. Now dedicated to showcasing a diverse range of art forms, it is renowned for hosting temporary exhibitions, providing a platform for both local and international artists. During our visit, we were fortunate to experience the work of Carles Moll through his exhibition 'Confrontations', a visually alluring display that left us wanting more.

Address: Carrer del Roser, 11

Josep Moncada Studio

You may or may not be surprised by this next highlight, as we always seek to celebrate art that connects deeply with the essence of its surroundings. On the island of Menorca, shaped by its waves, salt, and sea, we found a studio that beautifully captures the essence of island life. This spacious and welcoming studio showcases the work of a local artist who began his creative journey at the age of 27. His art, almost photographic in detail, drew us into the fluid and mesmerizing underwater world. The vibrant scenes he paints offer a vivid portrayal of life beneath the waves, reflecting the profound beauty and mystery of the ocean.

Address: Calle Purissima 17

Hauser & Wirth Menorca

During our visit to Menorca, we had the opportunity to explore the Eduardo Chillida exhibition at Hauser & Wirth Menorca. Located on the Illa del Rei in Mahón harbor, this stunning venue is a short 15-minute boat ride from the main harbor. The gallery, housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century naval hospital, offers a unique escape where you can immerse yourself in art, history, and, of course, local Menorcan wine and delicious food.

Hauser & Wirth, a prestigious art gallery founded over 30 years ago, is renowned worldwide. This particular location will take your breath away from the moment you board the yellow boat at Mahón’s center harbor. As you sail away, you leave behind the bustling world and connect with the serene beauty of the landscape. The salty sea breeze and the view of the island's iconic white houses, designed to reflect sunlight and keep interiors cool, enhance the tranquil journey. This picturesque setting invites you to disconnect from everyday life and engage deeply with the arts.

The Chillida exhibition featured works on paper and sculptures, crafted from materials like iron and steel. The integration of Chillida’s exploration of space, form, and light with the gallery’s historic and natural surroundings created a majestic experience, as it is known that Chillida had a deep connection to the island where he drew inspiration from the Mediterranean. 

The interplay between Chillida’s powerful, textured sculptures and the serene island environment made the exhibition a highlight of our Menorca art list. We truly think you should not skip this visit if you find yourself wandering around the island.

Address: Illa del Rei, Balearic Islands.