Museum of Spanish Abstract Art

Highlights

  • • Spanish abstract art museum in the Casas Colgadas of Cuenca
  • • Founded in 1966 by Fernando Zóbel; managed by the Fundación Juan March
  • • Over 1,500 works: Chillida, Tàpies, Saura, Millares, Sempere, Torner, Zóbel…
  • • Hanging over the gorges of the river Huécar, with timber balconies suspended above the canyon
  • • Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts (1980)

Description

The Museum of Spanish Abstract Art occupies the famous Casas Colgadas of Cuenca, hanging over the gorges of the river Huécar. Founded on 1 July 1966 by the painter Fernando Zóbel, it was one of the first European institutions devoted exclusively to contemporary abstract art and a key venue for the diffusion of the Spanish Abstract Generation.

The collection brings together more than 1,500 works (including more than 500 paintings and sculptures) by Eduardo Chillida, Antoni Tàpies, Manolo Millares, Eusebio Sempere, Antonio Saura, Gerardo Rueda, Gustavo Torner and Zóbel himself, among other 20th-century Spanish artists. The collections have been managed by the Fundación Juan March since 1980, following the founder's donation.

The building itself is part of the story: the Casas Colgadas, refurbished for the museum by Fernando Barja and Francisco León Meler, offer a dialogue between medieval architecture, karst landscape and avant-garde art. In 1980 it received the Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts from the Spanish Ministry of Culture.

Key Information

Pricing

Free

Accessibility

Medium

Kid-Friendly Pet-Friendly No Booking Required

Guide

Essential information for visiting Museum of Spanish Abstract Art

Location

How to get there

By carBy public transport

In this area

CuencaMunicipio
Practical Information
Pricing
Free
Features & Services
  • Accessibility:Medium
  • Kid-Friendly:Yes
  • Pet-Friendly:No
  • Booking:No Booking Required
Planning Information

Visitor Tips

Entry usually free. Typically closed Mondays and public holidays; check current hours on the Fundación Juan March website before visiting. Combine the visit with a walk through the old town and across the Puente de San Pablo, opposite the Casas Colgadas.

Historical Facts

Founded on 1 July 1966 by Fernando Zóbel. The Casas Colgadas were refurbished by Fernando Barja and Francisco León Meler to house the museum. The Fundación Juan March has managed the collections since 1980, following Zóbel's donation. Awarded the Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts in 1980.