Majorca, art and culture by the sea

Majorca is synonymous with peace and quiet, beaches and its natural setting. And yet it is also known for its spectacular artistic and historical heritage, and the lively cultural life to be found in every part of the island. All over the island of Majorca you'll find medieval fortresses, prehistoric remains, Renaissance palaces and Gothic buildings.

For centuries, musicians, painters and poets have chosen Majorca as a refuge. Nowadays, contemporary art and culture is one of Majorca's most distinctive features. Monuments, museums, festivals, galleries and exhibitions of all kinds proliferate throughout the island. Submerge yourself in this sea of modern art and imagination and allow yourself to be seduced by the charming places that have inspired such artists as Chopin, Ruben Dario and Joan Miro.
 
It is although the muses had endowed Majorca with an enchantment all its own. Visitors can sense this mood as they stroll through the historic centre of Palma, admiring its imposing Gothic cathedral or visiting the emblematic Bellver castle. But this charm is not exclusive to the capital, as you'll find outstanding buildings and historical monuments all over the island. The array of cultural attractions also includes a wide variety of activities which are held all year round, including literary festivals and art exhibitions, operatic recitals, classical and modern music festivals, ballet and theatre. The numerous museums and art galleries also schedule various exhibitions throughout the year.
 
The role of public and private organisations is paramount in promoting these cultural activities. Institutions such as the Pilar and Joan Miro Foundation and the March Foundation play a key role: these centres organise and exhibit works by artists of the stature of Miro, Picasso, Dali and Juan Gris, and they often host temporary exhibitions of works by both national and international artists.
 
The island is alive with a constant artistic effervescence. Proof of this is the Es Baluard Contemporary and Modern Art Museum, featuring an exhibition of avant-garde modern art, and offering the chance to view the production of young artists alongside works by such universal figures as Cézanne, Gauguin and Toulouse-Lautrec.
 
This enjoyment and concern for contemporary art is also extended to the island's most ancient heritage. This priceless legacy includes megalithic and Phoenician remains, in addition to vestiges of the Roman and Greek period, with various fine examples of the past cultures which dominated the Mediterranean.