Museu de l'Empordà

Located in the heart of Figueres, Spain, the Museu de l'Empordà (Museo del Empordà) is a cultural gem that offers a fascinating journey through the rich artistic and historical heritage of the Empordà region. This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the artistic evolution and cultural history of Catalonia, as it houses an impressive collection of artworks and historical artifacts that span several centuries.

The History of Museu de l'Empordà

The origins of the Museu de l'Empordà date back to 1885, when it first began as a repository for artworks and artifacts from the Museo del Prado. Over the years, it has grown into a significant cultural institution dedicated to the preservation, research, and promotion of local and regional heritage. The museum's current building was constructed in 1946 and officially inaugurated in 1971. Since 1998, it has been managed by a consortium formed by the City of Figueres, the Regional Council of Alt Empordà, and the Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation. In 2015, the consortium was dissolved, and the museum came under the management of the Cultural Section of the City of Figueres.

Exploring the Collections

The Museu de l'Empordà boasts a diverse range of collections that provide a comprehensive overview of the region's artistic and historical development. The museum's collections are divided into several main sections: historical collections, Catalan art, Empordà landscape painting, and contemporary art.

Historical Collections

The historical collections at the Museu de l'Empordà include archaeological artifacts that offer a glimpse into the ancient cultures that once inhabited the region. Visitors can explore exhibits on megalithic cultures, with elements such as burial sites and artifacts from the Iberian, Greek, and Roman periods. These collections highlight the cultural and commercial exchanges between the indigenous peoples and the colonizers.

The museum also features works of art from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, illustrating the artistic evolution from the 11th to the 16th centuries. Notable pieces include a marble column sculpted by the Master of Cabestany, two capitals from Sant Pere de Rodes, and polychrome wooden sculptures of the Virgin Mary. Additionally, the museum houses religious paintings and portraits from the Prado Museum, brought to Figueres for educational purposes and to support the local art school, Institut Ramon Muntaner.

The New Catalan Tradition: Scenes and Landscapes

This section of the museum showcases the evolution of Catalan art from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century, featuring works by prominent Catalan and international artists. The collection includes paintings and sculptures that reflect the tastes of the bourgeoisie, who sought to decorate their homes with evocative landscapes and portraits. The artworks in this section provide insights into the aesthetic and social interests of the artists and their patrons.

From Romanticism, which revolutionized artistic thought, to the realism of Martí Alsina and F. Masriera, and the natural light-focused works of Roig Soler and Guillem Roca, visitors can trace the development of Catalan art. The collection also includes pieces from the Modernist and Noucentist movements, with works by artists such as Blay, Nonell, Canals, Casas, Gargallo, and Casanovas.

The Empordà Landscape Painting

The Empordà landscape painting collection highlights the works of artists who were inspired by the region's natural beauty. From the late 19th to the early 20th centuries, artists like Joseph Blanquet, Guillem Comalat, and Joseph Bonaterra captured the Empordà landscape in various styles, ranging from photographic realism to Impressionism. The modernist approach of Eusèbe de Puig and the unique perspective of Marian Llavanera further enrich this collection.

The teachings of Juan Núñez in the 1920s influenced a generation of artists, including Salvador Dalí, Ramon Reig, and Evarist Valles. Their works, characterized by a distinctive interpretation of the Empordà landscape, are a testament to the region's artistic legacy.

Dau al Set

The Dau al Set section of the museum is dedicated to the avant-garde movement founded in 1948 by Antoni Tàpies, Joan Ponç, Joan-Josep Tharrats, Arnau Puig, Modest Cuixart, and Joan Brossa. This group, influenced by Surrealism and the works of Joan Miró, created a unique artistic expression that bridged pre- and post-Civil War experiences. Their works, often characterized by fantastical and demonic imagery, left a lasting impact on subsequent generations of artists.

Abstraction and New Figuration

The museum's collection of abstract and figurative art from the 1930s onwards showcases the evolution of artistic expression in the Empordà region. Artists like Joan Massanet, Àngel Planells, Ramon Molons, and Miquel Capalleras explored various styles, from informalism and gesturalism to constructivism and cosmic abstraction. The Group 69, formed in 1984 by Ansón, Lleixà, Ministral, Pujolboira, and Roura, continued this tradition with their free interpretation of the landscape.

Remarkable Works

Among the museum's notable pieces is a wooden column, likely from the church door of the Sant Pere de Rodes monastery, adorned with intricate carvings of floral and animal motifs. Another significant work is the Saint John the Evangelist at Patmos, attributed to Ribera, which exemplifies Baroque naturalism inspired by Caravaggio.

The Museu de l'Empordà is not just a repository of art and history; it is a vibrant cultural hub that continues to grow and evolve. With its extensive collections and dynamic exhibitions, the museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the artistic and cultural heritage of the Empordà region. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about Catalonia's rich cultural tapestry, the Museu de l'Empordà is an essential destination on your journey through Figueres.