For several centuries, artists and creative types have been drawn to Mallorca to take advantage of the clarity of light and dramatic landscapes. Today, owners of historic fincas, country houses and seaside villas might take up art as a pastime in the winter months when the weather is warm enough in the day to set up an easel in the garden or up in the foothills of the mountains or even on one of the gloriously empty beaches overlooking the Bay of Alcúdia.
While the main concentration of commercial galleries and exhibition spaces in Mallorca is found in Palma, the north of the island is blessed with a number of galleries and museums to be enjoyed during the winter months. The historic market town of Pollensa, with its attractive streets lined with townhouses dating back to the 17th century, is something of a creative hub for Mallorca North.
Casa Museo Dionís Bennàssar, Pollensa
Dionís Bennàssar is—to date—Pollensa’s most famous artistic son and one of the island’s finest landscape painters. A collection of his works is available to view in his house-turned-museum which dates from the 17th century. The house, which was his home for half his live, has been completely restored now a cultural foundation and among the collection are some of his later oils on canvas, as well as his drawings, notebooks and letters.
Galeria Dionís Bennàssar, Pollensa
Don’t confuse this with the above-mentioned Casa Museo Dionís Bennàssar which is also in Pollensa. This gallery, co-owned by the grandson of Bennàssar, was opened in 2013, it showcases a collection of artists from the Balearics and elsewhere as well as a selection of prints for sale.
Galeria Maior, Pollensa
This contemporary art gallery was established in 1990 and hosts a programme of approximately seven exhibitions per year showing the works of young artists as well as established names. During the summer months, the owners organise a series of video art screenings where critics, curators, museum directors and artists present their latest video selections on the gallery’s roof terrace overlooking the historic town of Pollensa.
Espai d'Art 32, Pollensa
A relative newcomer to the arts scene in Pollensa, this gallery opened in 2012 with the aim to raise awareness of both established as well as emerging artists.
Otherwise known as the Fundación Yannick & Ben Jackober, this is a permanent private collection of art and sculpture located on the spectacular peninsular of Coll Baix. The couple have a strong collection of children’s portraits dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries which are displayed in a converted underground water reservoir. It’s open all year round (except for Sundays, Mondays and public holidays)
Can Planes Contemporary Art Museum, Sa Pobla
Occupying the ground floor of a manor house, Can Planes was restored and opened as a museum for contemporary art in 1998. The permanent collection is made up of over 100 works by artists living in Mallorca—particularly from the period between 1975 and 1996. In addition, the gallery organises a variety of workshops and courses.