Museu d'Art Jaume Morera

Located in the heart of Lleida, Spain, the Museu d'Art Jaume Morera, originally known as Museo de Arte Jaime Morera, stands as a beacon of modern and contemporary art in Catalonia. This museum, established through the collaboration of the Diputació de Lleida, the Paeria de Lleida, and the painter Jaume Morera i Galícia, offers a rich tapestry of artistic works that reflect the cultural evolution of the region.

The Origins of Museu d'Art Jaume Morera

The museum's inception can be traced back to the cultural and artistic fervor of the 1912 art exhibition held at the Paeria de Lleida during the city's May Festivities. This event, which showcased a wide array of works from both local and expatriate artists, ignited a public desire for a permanent space dedicated to the arts. This collective aspiration materialized in 1914 with the establishment of the Museu d'Art de Lleida, which officially opened its doors in 1917 at the old Market of Sant Lluís.

The initial collection was composed of donations from the Diputació de Lleida and deposits from the Museo de Arte Moderno in Madrid. However, the museum's collection rapidly expanded thanks to the efforts and contributions of Jaume Morera i Galícia, who not only donated his personal collection but also played a pivotal role in securing institutional and political support for the museum. In recognition of his invaluable contributions, the museum was renamed Museu d'Art Jaume Morera in 1924.

A Journey Through Time

The Museu d'Art Jaume Morera has experienced numerous relocations and periods of transformation throughout its history. Initially housed in the Market of Sant Lluís until 1934, the museum then moved to the Old Hospital of Santa Maria. During the Spanish Civil War, it was renamed El Museu del Poble and became a repository for expropriated and confiscated artworks. Following the war, the collection was temporarily relocated to Zaragoza before gradually returning to Lleida in 1940.

Despite a prolonged period of inactivity, the museum reopened between 1959 and 1969 at the Old Hospital of Santa Maria. In 1975, it found a provisional home in the Old Convent of Roser, marking the beginning of a new era under the directorship of Víctor Pérez i Pallarés. The 1980s saw a revitalization of the museum, with a renewed focus on contemporary Lleida art, thanks to the efforts of new director Esperança Porta and the introduction of the Medalla Morera Prize.

The Modern Era

In the 1990s, the Museu d'Art Jaume Morera underwent significant changes, including the transfer of ownership from the Diputació to the municipal government of Lleida. Under the leadership of Jesús Navarro Guitart, the museum continued to grow, both in terms of its collection and its role in the cultural landscape of Lleida. The museum's collection, which numbered 948 pieces in 1994, has since expanded to over 4,120 works, encompassing a wide range of modern and contemporary art.

In 2007, the museum relocated to the Casino Principal building on Calle Mayor, where it continued to host temporary exhibitions and expand its collection. During this period, the museum also embraced new technologies, providing online access to its collections and engaging with visitors through social media.

A New Home

After years of anticipation and planning, the Museu d'Art Jaume Morera finally found a permanent home in the former Provincial Court building on Rambla de Ferran. The new location, inaugurated on June 15, 2024, marks the culmination of a long journey and represents a new chapter for the museum. The building's rehabilitation and adaptation were made possible through the combined efforts and funding from various public administrations, including the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Diputació de Lleida, and the Ministry of Culture, as well as European structural funds (FEDER).

Exploring the Museu d'Art Jaume Morera

Visitors to the Museu d'Art Jaume Morera can expect a diverse and dynamic experience, with exhibitions that highlight the works of prominent Lleida artists such as Leandre Cristòfol, Antoni G. Lamolla, Manuel Viola, and Enric Crous. The museum's extensive collection also includes pieces by contemporary artists like Rosa Siré, Benet Rossell, Antoni Abad, and Albert Bayona.

The museum's commitment to showcasing the evolution of Lleida's art scene is evident in its rotating exhibitions and educational programs. These initiatives provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the region's artistic heritage and its ongoing contributions to the broader world of contemporary art.

In addition to its impressive collection, the Museu d'Art Jaume Morera offers a range of publications that delve into the lives and works of key artists, providing valuable insights into the history and development of modern and contemporary art in Lleida.

Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, the Museu d'Art Jaume Morera offers a captivating and enriching experience. Its walls tell the story of a city's artistic journey, reflecting the passion, creativity, and resilience of Lleida's artists and their enduring impact on the cultural landscape of Catalonia and beyond.