Dalí Picasso Barceló: Museu Fundación Juan March

Remember the Woody Allen film that – other than its title suggests – is rather the story of two Spanish painters than that of two American tourists? I could picture them visiting the great collection of the Fundación Juan March. The museum is located on one of the most busy streets in Palma’s old town. Between lingerie and cosmetics, jeans and shoes shoppers spontaneously discover contemporary art. And find an urban oasis that others aim for deliberately.

The impressive 18th century building not only houses an extraordinary permanent collection of vanguard Spanish artists. Until mid September the museum also shows “Spearheading the new art form”, Picasso’s search for a new pictoral language at the beginning of the 20th century. And there is a second temporary exhibition of works by Lyonel Feininger featuring some of his comics, toys and paintings. I particularly love his drawings of boats and ships, a familiar world to me. My father was a captain sailing the seas and he often took me on his ship when I was a child.

Juan March, the founder of Banca March, was a controversial entrepreneur. But the establishment of the Fundación is no doubt a highly valuable contribution to the Spanish and in particular the Mallorcan art scene. Entrance to the museum is free, and the visitors are as diverse as the exhibited works of art. From time to time, you might even come across one or two Americans looking for adventure.