Beyond beaches and sun, the Balearic island is also a treasure trove of culture and history. With a long tradition of art and culture, Mallorca offers much more than just relaxing in its coves: it has museums that will blow your mind! From contemporary art to fascinating maritime history lessons, there is something for every type of traveller. Whether you’re an art lover or simply looking for a different way to explore the island, here’s a selection of the 10 most interesting museums in Mallorca – get ready for a cultural trip!
1. Es Baluard Museum of Contemporary Art of Palma
Location: Palma
What you should know: As a benchmark in the Balearic Islands for artistic creation in the 20th and 21st centuries, Es Baluard Museu d’Art Modern i Contemporani de Palma has been, since its opening in 2004, a fundamental space for modern and contemporary art in the region. The museum not only offers a broad overview of its vast collection, but also continuously organises exhibitions of renowned international artists. In addition, it promotes the inclusion of diverse art forms, such as music, theatre, performance, poetry and circus, linked to the experimental movements that have marked the last decades.
In its rooms, visitors can admire works by great masters such as Picasso, Miró, Barceló, Sorolla, Rusiñol, Mir and Anglada-Camarasa, alongside creations by more contemporary artists such as Calatrava and Rebecca Horn. Each of these artists brings their unique vision, making the museum a place where multiple artistic styles and sensibilities converge.
Traveller’s tip: A special tip for visitors to the museum is to take time to explore the museum’s surroundings, especially at sunset. The museum’s surroundings are home to several avant-garde sculptural ensembles that further enhance the artistic experience. In addition, from its terraces you can enjoy spectacular views of the bay of Palma and the city, which become simply extraordinary at sunset.
2. Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation
Location: Palma
What you should know: Joan Miró, one of the great geniuses of modernist art, found his creative refuge in Mallorca. The Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation not only shows you some of his most emblematic works, but also allows you to see his original studio, kept just as he had it and as he wanted it to be kept, where the master created many of his works. It’s like travelling inside his artistic mind!
Traveller’s tip: The visit is very interesting because of the building by the architect Moneo and the surroundings with its spectacular views. Take the time to stroll among the sculptures and admire the sea views.
3. “Museu de Mallorca”
Location: Palma
What you should know: If you want to get to know the history of Mallorca in one place, this is the museum for you. From prehistoric remains to Roman and medieval times, the Museu de Mallorca gives you a complete overview of the island’s rich history. The building itself is an architectural gem, an old mansion from the 17th century that is well worth a visit.
Traveller’s tip: Take at least a couple of hours to walk through all the rooms at your leisure. There are so many details that you won’t want to miss anything.
4. Sa Bassa Blanca Museum
Location: Alcudia
What you should know: The Sa Bassa Blanca Museum, founded by artists Yannick Vu and Ben Jakober, is a true example of how art, nature and architecture can coexist in harmony. This space not only offers an impressive art collection, but also invites visitors to enjoy its natural surroundings. Located in a spectacular geographical enclave, the museum offers a unique sensory experience, where art blends with the sounds and landscapes of Mallorcan nature. In addition, the museum’s focus on promoting respect for the environment makes the visit not only a cultural but also an ecological journey. The views from Sa Bassa Blanca, along with its gardens and open-air sculpture park, make this place a true artistic oasis on the island. The museum has guides who speak different languages, including German.
Traveller’s tip: Wear comfortable shoes, because you’ll want to get lost in the sculpture park for a while.
5. Juan March Foundation Museum
Location: Palma
What you should know: This museum is a Spanish art lover’s dream. It has works by Tàpies, Miró, Dalí, Chillida, Barceló, Juan Gris, … among others. Admission is free. It is recommended not only to see the works of art but also the building itself. The Juan March Foundation is located in a beautiful 17th century building in the heart of Palma, which makes it an ideal place to combine art and a stroll through the city.
Traveller’s tip: Make the most of your visit to see other historic buildings in Palma that are nearby, such as the Cathedral and the Almudaina Palace.
6. “Museu de la Mar”
Location: Sóller
What you should know: This small but charming museum tells you about the maritime history of Sóller, a town that has always lived in close contact with the sea. The collection includes everything from old maps and navigational tools to model ships, and shows you how the life of the inhabitants of Sóller has been marked by the Mediterranean. What’s more, the building is on top of a cliff, so the views of the harbour are simply spectacular.
Traveller’s tip: After your visit, take a stroll through the port of Sóller and enjoy a meal by the sea – the fresh fish here is delicious!
7. Footwear and Industry Museum
Location: Inca
What you should know: If you want to get to know the more traditional side of Mallorca, this museum is a window into the history of the footwear and leather industry on the island. Inca has historically been a centre of shoe manufacturing, and this museum shows you how production has evolved over the centuries. It’s a small but charming museum, and will make you appreciate shoes in a whole new way.
Travel tip: If you have time, take a stroll around Inca’s shoe shops – you’re bound to find a pair of handmade shoes you’ll want to take home with you!
8. Gordiola Glass Museum
Location: Algaida
What you should know: Are you fascinated by glass art? Then this museum is not to be missed. The Gordiola glass factory has been producing blown glass since the 18th century, and today you can watch the craftsmen at work live. In addition to demonstrations, the museum exhibits historical pieces of glass from all over the world. The museum is housed inside a small fortress.
Traveller’s tip: Don’t leave without buying a piece of glass as an authentic Mallorcan handicraft souvenir.
9. Ethnological Museum of Muro
Location: Muro
What you should know: The ethnological section of the Museum of Mallorca, located in a house donated in 1965 by the architect Gabriel Alomar i Esteve, exhibits agricultural tools, popular ceramics and a 19th-century pharmacy. The ground floor recreates a traditional house, while the upper floor displays farming tools and pottery. In the farmyard there is a restored waterwheel and objects used for animal transport. A second, more modest building houses tools from traditional trades such as blacksmithing and shoemaking.
Traveller’s tip: Muro is a residential town with shops and services for everyday life. On Sundays there is a fresh produce market, and on some Wednesday evenings, a market on Muro beach offers local crafts.
10. Diocesan Museum of Mallorca
Location: Palma
What you should know: The Diocesan Museum of Mallorca, inaugurated in 1916 and renovated in 2007, houses a collection of religious art from Paleo-Christianity to the 20th century. It is located in the Episcopal palace and has some 200 works from convents, churches and donations. The exhibition includes paintings, sculpture, ceramics, furniture and a space dedicated to Antoni Gaudí. It also offers temporary exhibitions, guided tours and educational workshops.
Traveller’s tip: Take advantage of guided tours if available, as they will give you a deeper understanding of the pieces and their relevance to history.
