Museo Arqueológico de Ibiza y Formentera

The Museo Arqueológico de Ibiza y Formentera is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the historic Dalt Vila, the old town of Ibiza. This museum is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and relics that tell the captivating story of the Pityusic Islands, from prehistoric times to the Catalan conquest in 1235 by King James I. The museum, governed by the Balearic Government, is dedicated to preserving, researching, exhibiting, and disseminating the material remains of the various periods that have shaped the history of these islands.

The Birth of the Collection

The museum's collection began with the legacy of the Archaeological Society of Ibiza, established in 1903. The society gathered a significant number of pieces from various excavations around Ibiza, particularly from the Necropolis of Puig des Molins. However, by 1905, the society was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of objects and the associated costs. To prevent the collection from being dispersed, Joan Roman i Calbet, the director of the society, proposed transferring it to the state, ensuring its maintenance and preservation as a whole. This collection was further enriched by the personal collections of Joan Roman i Calbet and Artur Pérez-Cabrero, the latter serving as the museum's conservator until his death in 1916. Over the years, numerous archaeological campaigns directed by the museum have continued to add to its extensive collection.

The Dalt Vila Headquarters

The transfer of the Archaeological Society's collection to the state was formalized on September 27, 1907, with the establishment of the Archaeological Museum of Dalt Vila. The museum was housed in two 16th-century annex buildings located in the upper part of the old walled city, Dalt Vila: the former University building, which had previously served as the town hall, and the Chapel of the Savior, which was the headquarters of the mariners' guild until 1688 and acquired by the University in 1702.

From the beginning, adapting these buildings to meet the museum's technical needs was a significant challenge. The first renovations began in 1907, revealing a crypt beneath the Chapel of the Savior, which became a storage area and restoration workshop. However, these initial efforts were insufficient, and subsequent projects were undertaken in 1908, 1911, and 1914 to address the buildings' poor condition. By the 1920s, the museum's buildings were already insufficient to house its growing collections, leading to proposals for new facilities. Although plans to build a new museum at the Necropolis of Puig des Molins were drafted in 1929, political upheavals and the Spanish Civil War delayed their execution until 1965, resulting in the creation of the Monographic Museum of Puig des Molins.

Expansion and Modernization

Despite these efforts, space remained a persistent issue. In 1974, Jordi Humbert Fernández i Gómez was appointed director, ushering in a new era for the museum. Under his leadership, the museum underwent extensive renovations, new excavations were organized, and the museum's collections were systematically cataloged and displayed. However, technical and logistical challenges persisted, prompting further reforms in 1990. These efforts culminated in the reopening of the museum on January 27, 1995, under its new name: Museo Arqueológico de Ibiza y Formentera. This name change reflected the museum's focus on the significant archaeological finds from the Pityusic Islands, spanning from prehistory to the Middle Ages.

Research and Excavations

Since 1974, the museum has been at the forefront of archaeological research and preservation in the Pityusic Islands. It collaborates with young students and recent graduates, offering them opportunities to participate in excavations and research projects. Notable among these are the excavations at the lower part of the Necropolis of Puig des Molins, co-directed by Jordi H. Fernández and Ana Mezquida, and funded by the Diario de Ibiza. These excavations have yielded substantial information and numerous archaeological materials.

The museum also participates in research programs such as The Production of Purple Dye in Ibiza during Antiquity, directed by museum conservator Benjamí Costa and Professor Carmen Alfaro from the University of Valencia. Additionally, the museum publishes the Treballs del Museu Arqueològic d'Eivissa i Formentera, a series of scholarly works that include texts from archaeological conferences, monographs, and studies related to the museum's collections. Other publications include brief catalogs of museum exhibitions, educational booklets, and a series of educational fiches dedicated to prehistory.

Cultural Dissemination and Activities

The Museo Arqueológico de Ibiza y Formentera is not just a repository of ancient artifacts; it is also a vibrant cultural hub. The museum organizes numerous exhibitions, both archaeological and itinerant, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and other organizations. It also hosts conferences on a wide range of topics. Since 1986, the museum has programmed two annual conference cycles: the Archaeological Seminar of the Balearic and Pityusic Islands, later renamed the Archaeological Seminar, and the Phoenician-Punic Archaeology Days.

The museum also collaborates with the Friends of the Archaeological Museum of Ibiza and Formentera Association, which organizes various conferences, courses, and workshops. These activities aim to raise awareness and foster a deeper understanding of the region's rich archaeological heritage.

A Visit to Remember

A visit to the Museo Arqueológico de Ibiza y Formentera is a journey through time, offering a fascinating glimpse into the ancient cultures that once thrived on these islands. From prehistoric tools and Phoenician pottery to Roman artifacts and medieval relics, the museum's collection is a testament to the rich and diverse history of Ibiza and Formentera. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a casual visitor, the museum promises an engaging and educational experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation of the Pityusic Islands' storied past.