Helga de Alvear Museum of Contemporary Art Opens in Cáceres

An ultra-modern museum is set to enhance the art scene this spring in the Spanish city of Cáceres. The newly built Helga de Alvear Museum of Contemporary Art will expand upon a smaller museum that has showcased contemporary art since 2010.

The museum’s inception stems from the passion of German art collector Helga de Alvear, who relocated to Madrid and developed a keen interest in the Spanish art scene. Over four decades, she amassed a remarkable collection of 3,000 contemporary artworks, ultimately deciding to donate this collection to the Spanish region of Extremadura. The Helga de Alvear Foundation was established in November 2006, fulfilling her vision of sharing art from over 500 artists across five continents with the public.

Part of the funding for this groundbreaking museum came from Helga de Alvear herself, with additional support provided by the Government of Extremadura. Consequently, this museum is expected to become a vital European art destination upon its opening. Entry to the museum will be free, and it aims to serve as a platform for research, promotion, and education in contemporary visual arts. The innovative design by Tuñón Arquitectos features a sleek white concrete extension added to the original Casa Grande building, which dates back to 1913.

Spanning a total of 17,000 square meters, the museum will showcase works by renowned artists including Joseph Beuys, Dan Flavin, Paul Klee, Nan Goldin, Joseph Albers, Gordon Matta-Clark, Jenny Holzer, Philippe Parreno, and Anish Kapoor. The expansive galleries boast impressive heights, with most featuring a height of four-and-a-half meters, and three galleries reaching heights of nine meters to accommodate larger installations.

The much-anticipated Helga de Alvear Museum of Contemporary Art is scheduled to open this spring. For more information, visit the official website here.