Majorca’s long history and picturesque landscape have been the source of inspiration and fascination for many historians, writers and artists throughout time. Consequently, the island is home to various museums, galleries, and arts centres with exhibitions open year round. From learning about the island’s most famous sports star at the Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience to watching the restoration of traditional Majorcan boats at the Maritime Museum there is a plethora of choices. There are also cultural routes to explore, and discover Majorcan literature, architecture, culture and filmography whilst travelling around the island and taking in its beauty.
Museums and Galleries
Majorca has a wide variety of galleries and museums that suit every taste, whether an enthusiast or novice. These include art galleries filled with modern and contemporary works such as Es Baluard located in an old defensive structure in Palma’s old city wall, modernist galleries like Can Prunera or archaeological museums including the Museum of Majorca. There are also important archaeological sites such as Son Fornés in Montuiri; Pollentia in Alcúdia; or Ses Païsses in Artà.
In addition, there are themed museums including the Museum of Glass-Can Gordiola, where traditional Majorcan glass work is found, and the Fang Museum which exhibits authentic ceramics from the island. Other monothematic museums include:
Maritime Museum, currently restoring six boats, with the aim of sailing them again this year to increase awareness and knowledge of Majorca’s boat building tradition and heritage.
Museo del Calzado en Inca, a museum dedicated to footwear and its industry through time, located in a wing of an old Cavalry Barracks.
Museum of the Mills-Molí d'en Galleta, an old restored mill which traces the origin of the Balearics’ iconic windmills.
Known for being the inspiration of countless artists, Majorca pays tribute to some of its most illustrious with museums housed within the artists’ former homes. Some of the most famous being:
Dionís Bennàssar House Museum - where the artist lived half of his life and created his most influential works
Fra Juníper Serra Museum - where memorabilia, maps and paintings about the life of Father Serra are exhibited.
Father Ginard Museum - the birthplace of the author of many tales from Majorcan folklore, which also showcases traditional Majorcan architecture
Exhibitions
In addition permanent exhibitions showcase the island’s cultural collections:
For sports fans Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience, is an interactive space that brings us closer to the world of the renowned Majorcan tennis star and two-times Wimbledon champion, Rafa Nadal.
Miró Majorca Foundation exhibits a selection of Joan Miró’s work on rotation.
CCA Andratx, is a contemporary arts centre founded by famous Danish gallerists Jacob and Patricia Asbaek.
Coll Bardolet Cultural Foundation, where the paintings by the Majorcan artist Josep Coll Bardolet are shown.
Barceló Foundation located in the old House of the Marquis of Regular-Rullán.
An alternative way to explore Majorca is through its cultural tourist routes, another of the island’s charms. Delve into the island’s literature through one of seven routes designed by Walking on Words, where you will discover Majorcan landmarks, through the eyes and words of great writers such as Josep Pla or Jules Verne. Or TV and film fanatics can enjoy the Majorca Movie Map, which leads a path through film locations in Majorca, such as The Mallorca Files, Me Before You and Cloud Atlas. Whilst visitors looking to enjoy traditional Majorcan culture should not miss the Art Nouveau route in Palma, which travels through art history in the cosmopolitan capital. Lastly, amateurs of theology and mediaeval history can follow Ramón Llull on the Medieval Mystique route through refuges and chapels. Llull, a Majorcan theologian, philosopher, scientist and writer, contributed more than 260 written works based around the island.