As you’re building the perfect Barcelona itinerary, consider adding some museums to your list since Barcelona is home to some of the most impressive collections in Europe. As temporary collections come and go though, it can be hard to keep track of what’s new and exciting around the city. Keep an eye out for these innovative exhibitions during the Summer of 2018.
Picasso’s Kitchen
Where: Museu Picasso – Carrer Montcada 15-23, 08003 Barcelona
When: May 25th – September 30th
How much: collection + temporary exhibition- €14 , temporary exhibition
only- €6.50
Picasso’s Kitchen sparks conversation surrounding gastronomy and creativity. Throughout his life, food served as an inspiration for his work, and restaurants offered a place for artists to meet and exchange ideas. It makes sense then, that this 4-month long exhibit discusses how the act of cooking literally and metaphorically inspired Picasso’s poetry, theatre, and paintings. Nearly 200 pieces have been brought together from worldwide museums and private collections to create Picasso’s Kitchen. Go and see how the simple act of eating sparked the work of a creative genius!
Farce and Artifice
Where: MACBA – Plaça dels Àngels, 1, 08001, Barcelona, Spain
When: May 18th– October 7th
How Much: €10
If you’re looking for a kooky and colourful afternoon, look no further than the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona. Although the artist of this exhibition, Melanie Smith, was born in the United Kingdom- her work focuses on Mexican and Latin American art. After moving to Mexico City she was impacted by the “capitalist modernisation, neoliberal globalization and hyper-consumerism” of the city. In her exhibit, Smith explores “farce (absurdity, mockery, or parody) and artifice (artificiality and deception)”. Overall, it’s an intriguing, multidimensional collection that really makes you examine the world around you.
Scars Remind Us That Our Past is Real
Where: Fundació Joan Miró – Parc de Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona
When: June 15th– September 30th
How Much: €12
If you’re looking for a poetic and thought-provoking afternoon- then Kader Attia’s exhibit entitled “Scars remind us that our past is real” may be the spot for you. This exhibit revolves around the idea of “repair”, and discusses the importance of acknowledging trauma rather than ignoring it. The exhibition includes various interviews, some of which were taken in Barcelona. Kader Attia is the most recent recipient of the Joan Miró Prize – a prize awarded every two years to an artist who embodies the adventurous spirit and character of Joan Miró.
Tradition and Modernity
Where: Fundació Joan Miró -Parc de Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona
When: March 1st– July 22nd
How Much : €12
Itō Shinsui depicts Japanese history through an array of beautiful woodblock and printmaking creations. In the late 19th century, Japan experienced industrialisation and westernisation which people worried would threaten traditional art forms. This exhibition highlights an artistic movement called Shin Hanga, which aimed to protect tradition, while keeping up with modern development. If you’ve spent time on your trip learning about European history, why not learn about Asia too?
Flames on the Border- Catalonia and the great war
Where: Plaça de Pau Vila, 3 08039 Barcelona
When: June 29th to November 18th
How Much : €4
Whether you’re a history buff, or you just enjoy learning about World War One- this exhibition will surely excite you. Through the Spanish State wasn’t involved in “The Great War”, the newly developed Catalonia of the Commonwealth sympathised with the allies and many Catalans volunteered to fight. This exhibition depicts and explains the “plural memories” people have of the war today, meaning that people still remember Catalan involvement differently. Mini exhibitions include “Trench War, war of positions”, “From the turn to the armistice”, “War and neutrality”, and “The postwar period and memories from the war.”
Here, we’ve highlighted some exciting temporary exhibitions going on in Barcelona this summer- and this is just the beginning! No matter who you are or what you do, we’re sure you’ll find a museum that fits your interests. Enjoy!
Leave a Reply