While many of the world’s other modern art museums occupy contemporary purpose-built buildings, Cuenca’s Museum of Spanish Abstract Art has a much more unlikely home: inside one of the city’s iconic 15th-century Hanging Houses. Marvel at the improbably set dwellings, which appear to extend from the rock of the sheer ravine edge overlooking the Huécar River, and explore the airy galleries located inside.
The museum was first established in 1966 by artist Fernando Zóbel, whose own works are featured in its collection. In 1980, Zóbel donated his collection to the Fundación Juan March, which incorporated it into their own assortment of works. View the museum’s collection which i housed in one of the city’s historic Hanging Houses, which underwent renovation in 1994. The success of the museum has encouraged several other modern museums and galleries to set up in the Cuenca area and has helped establish the city’s reputation as a modern art hub.
Step inside the museum to see a series of bright, light-filled galleries housing a carefully curated selection of abstract works from Spanish artists. The majority of the works date from the 1950s through the 1990s. See Antonio Saura’s nonrepresentational portrait of Brigitte Bardot, the hazy abstractionisms of Fernando Zóbel and sculptures from renowned Basque artists Eduardo Chillida and Jorge Oteiza. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits, which have in the past covered such subjects as Czech photography and sound art.
While exploring, take a moment to appreciate the fantastic views from the windows. The rugged ravine and several unusually shaped rock formations can be seen. Despite having been renovated, the museum interior still has original features, including wooden beams.
After examining the collections, stop by the on-site museum shop. Pick up art-themed souvenirs, books and postcards that will serve as mementos of your trip.
The Museum of Spanish Abstract Art is open Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on some holidays throughout the year. Entry is free. Book in advance for a guided tour, held from Tuesday to Friday.
