Art in the Mediterranean
5 art destinations to add to your bucket list
It’s august, which means the art world is on holiday.
This is a post for everyone who’s yet to feel the sand between their toes. So, if you’re still clocking in, escape with us as we whisk you away to five stunning Mediterranean destinations.
The Mediterranean, with its rich mix of cultures, history, and breathtaking scenery, has long been a hub of creativity. Its unique blend of influences continue to drive its thriving creative economies, making it an ideal location for the art world to flourish.
Destination gallery spaces are increasingly cropping up in the holiday hotspots of the ultra-wealthy, yet these destinations serve as more than just pit stops for bored millionaires stepping off their yachts. They offer immersive, free experiences that seamlessly integrate art, architecture, and nature, transcending the traditional white cube gallery model to create something truly one-of-a-kind.
Among these destinations, five stand out:
1. Hauser & Wirth Menorca
Located on Illa del Rei, a small island off the coast of Mahón in Menorca, Hauser & Wirth's Menorca gallery exemplifies the seamless integration of art with its natural surroundings. Opened in 2021, this gallery is not just a space to view art— it’s a holistic experience that engages all the senses.
The gallery is housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century naval hospital, where contemporary architectural interventions coexist with historical structures. Designed by Luis Laplace, the gallery spaces are intimately connected with the surrounding gardens, created by renowned landscape designer Piet Oudolf. These gardens, bursting with native flora, surround an outdoor sculpture trail boasting works by artists Gary Simmons, Stefan Brüggemann, Eduardo Chillida and Pipilotti Rist.
This summer the gallery presents two exhibitions: Eduardo Chillida: Chillida in Menorca and Roni Horn, both run from May 11 — October 27, 2024.
2. Dragon Hill Artists & Writers Residency
Perched in the hills of the French Riviera, Dragon Hill is a distinctive partnership between Unit London and ArtReview. This exclusive retreat hosts invitation-only residencies for artists and writers who embody the innovative spirit of the estate's architect, Jacques Couëlle.
The residency program spans approximately six weeks, offering three to four places annually. Selected artists are provided with fully equipped studios and participate at no cost. At the conclusion of the residency, artists have the chance to exhibit their work in an annual summer exhibition at the historic Château de Castellaras, while writers have the opportunity to be published in ArtReview magazine.
The estate is accessible to external visitors by appointment only.
3. Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice is one of the most iconic modern art museums in the world. Located on the Grand Canal, this museum was once home to Peggy Guggenheim herself, a passionate art collector and patron.
The collection features an impressive array of modern masterpieces, including works by Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Salvador Dalí, among others. Alongside works in the collection, the space also offers a rich programme of temporary exhibitions, including its current presentation: Jean Cocteau: The Juggler’s Revenge, April 13 — September 16, 2024
4. Joan Miró Foundation, Barcelona
Set on Montjuïc Hill in Barcelona, the Joan Miró Foundation is a tribute to one of Spain’s most beloved artists. Established by Miró himself in 1975, this foundation is more than just a museum; it’s a celebration of the artist’s life, work, and enduring influence.
The building, designed by Josep Lluís Sert, is a work of art in its own right. It’s minimalist design provides a serene backdrop for Miró’s vibrant paintings and sculptures. Visitors to the Joan Miró Foundation can also enjoy the outdoor sculpture garden, with panoramic views of Barcelona and a programme of temporary exhibitions that explore contemporary art, in line with Miró’s desire to promote young artists.
Current temporary exhibitions include:
Tuan Andrew Nguyen: Our Ghosts Live in the Future, May 10 — September 24, 2024
Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley: No Comment, July 19 — October 20, 2024
That Time When Calder’s Circus Arrived in Mont-Roig, June 11 — November 10, 2024
5. MICAS, Malta
Due to open in October 2024, the Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS) is poised to become a major destination for contemporary art in the Mediterranean. Located on the historic Floriana fortifications just outside Valletta, MICAS is set to be a cultural hub that marries Malta’s rich history with cutting-edge contemporary art.
Even before its official opening, MICAS has been making waves with a series of public art projects throughout Valletta, commissioning artists like Ugo Rondinone, Cristina Iglesias, Michele Oka Doner, and Conrad Shawcross to create large-scale, site-specific sculptures.
MICAS has also announced an ambitious line-up of programming for the next two years, with an inaugural exhibition by Joana Vasconcelos.
What unites these five Mediterranean destinations is their emphasis on the experience of art.
Each offers a unique environment that deepens the connection between the visitor and the art, making the journey as meaningful as the destination itself. They demonstrate that the future of art is not just about what we see, but also how we experience it.
Have you experienced art in any of these locations? Share your favourite art destinations with us!