Joan Miró Foundation

The Fundació Joan Miró, located on Montjuïc in Barcelona, is one of the most important cultural centers dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Founded in 1975 by Miró himself, in collaboration with architect Josep Lluís Sert, the foundation aims to promote the knowledge and study of the work of the Catalan artist and other contemporary creators. The building that houses the foundation is an example of rationalist modernist architecture, harmoniously integrated into the natural landscape of Montjuïc. Sert, a personal friend of Miró, designed the structure with a special attention to light and open spaces, creating an environment that encourages contemplation and interaction with art. The construction, started in 1972 and completed in 1975, reflects Mediterranean aesthetics with the use of simple forms, clean lines, and spacious terraces. The foundation’s permanent collection includes over 10,000 works including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and textiles. This vast heritage is the result of donations from Miró himself and other collectors, including Joan Prats and Kazumasa Katsuta. Among the most significant works in the collection are “Pintura (L’ampolla de vi)” from 1924, “Personatge” from 1934, and “Dona somiant l’evasió” from 1945, which testify to Miró’s stylistic evolution and experimentation with different materials and techniques. In addition to exhibitions, the foundation organizes conferences, workshops, film screenings, and other cultural events that promote interdisciplinary dialogue and artistic education. The foundation’s library and documentation center are valuable resources for scholars and researchers, with a vast collection of books, catalogs, and documents related to modern and contemporary art. An interesting anecdote concerns the official inauguration of the foundation on June 18, 1976, a few months after Franco’s death. This symbolic event represented a new beginning for Catalan culture, marking the end of an era of repression and the beginning of a new phase of artistic expression and cultural freedom. Over the years, the Fundació Joan Miró has continued to grow and evolve. In 1988, the foundation underwent a significant expansion to accommodate the increasing number of works and activities, with the addition of new exhibition halls and multifunctional spaces. This expansion, directed by architect Jaume Freixa, maintained the integrity of Sert’s original design, harmoniously integrating the new structures with the existing building. In 2016, on the occasion of the foundation’s fortieth anniversary, a new arrangement of the permanent collection was presented, including new works and a renewed exhibition path that offers a multifaceted view of Miró’s work. This update further enhanced the foundation’s heritage and offered visitors an even richer and more engaging experience.