Art galleries and events
Ibiza is a rich cultural melting pot of influences from around the world. Its many resident and visiting artists - many of whom have settled here from other countries - embody that cultural diversity and express it through their work. It's no surprise that in the last century, Ibiza became a refuge for artists, painters and sculptors that came to the island looking for a tolerant place where they could express themselves more freely.
The island's remarkable light attracts painters and photographers who, along with sculptors and other creative spirits, have captured its landscapes, people and traditions in their art.
Art galleries
For decades, Ibiza has been home to a number of privately-owned art galleries. In recent years, several new ones have been opened by the movers and shakers of the art world.
These include la.luna.gallery by the visual artist Marie Su Loher in the capital Ibiza Town or serial gallerist Lio Malca's art exhibitions at La Nave near the charming village of Santa Gertrudis and La Nave Salinas, located at the far end of Las Salinas beach, a large exhibition space in a former warehouse for salt, showcasing exhibitions during the summer season.
Other interesting art galleries well worth checking out include the Club de Diario de Ibiza, a cultural venue in Ibiza Town from one of the daily newspapers of the island, Espacio Micus a small and quirky art gallery located in the countryside just outside the village of Jesús, commemorating the prolific work of German painter Eduard Micus and offering other exhibitions.
Can Curt is located in an old finca in the beautiful village of San Agustín; it's well worth a visit. Parra & Romero from Madrid showcases contemporary art between the boundaries of conceptual and minimal art in its Ibizan gallery near Santa Gertrudis.
Garden Art Gallery is a lovely open-air exhibition space near San José. Also located in the picturesque village of San José is the exhibition space Can Jeroni, which also offers a cinema, a theatre and cultural events.
In the Marta Torres Gallery in Ibiza Town, you'll find works by well-known national and international artists including Joan Miró, Fulljames and Carlos Sansegundo. It also hosts temporary exhibitions.
Ses Coves Blanques Lighthouse in San Antonio is easily reached from the promenade of this popular resort. The socio-cultural centre includes an exhibition hall and the Sea Interpretation Centre. It has a varied programme of cultural events and exhibitions.
Restaurants with exhibitions
Many restaurants on the island also show the works of local artists in one-off exhibitions, for example, Art Café Can Tixedo near San Rafael, El Naranjo Restaurant in Santa Eulalia or Aiyanna beach club on Cala Nova.
Art events and tours
IbizaArt Guide brings national and international artist together who live on Ibiza or have a direct connection with the island. They publish an anual guide which is accompanied by an exhibition.
Art meets culture in the annual Bloop Festival, which is normally held in August. With the aim of turning Ibiza into an open-air gallery, it also provides commentary on global issues. The gigantic murals in San Antonio and Ibiza Town are good examples. At this festival, expect live installations, interactive workshops and, of course, music (this is Ibiza, after all).
Since 2022 you can browse contemporary art at the CAN Ibiza art fair for four days each July in the exhibition hall in Ibiza Town, from over 140 both established and emerging artists, featuring paintings and sculptures.
San Antonio & Street Art Free Tour, a guided walk, is a fun way to discover the town and its urban art. The island's markets, especially the one held in San Juan on Sundays, are also a great place for art lovers. If you are here in the wintertime, the Ibiza Art Supermarket near San José features the work of local artists at reasonable prices.
Exhibition places on Formentera
There are also several interesting galleries on Formentera, including the Centre Antoni Tur "Gabrielet" and the Municipal Exhibition Hall in the old town hall, both in the island capital San Francisco. The multipurpose space La Mola Lighthouse in the tiny village of La Mola also hosts exhibitions.
There are numerous other art exhibitions on both islands; search for them on Google or Facebook.
Museums
The island has a number of interesting museums, such as the excellent MACE contemporary art museum in the old town of Ibiza, which really punches above its weight for a small island, featuring major international artists.
The Museo Puget, also located in Ibiza Town, shows the works of two famous artistic sons of Ibiza, Puget Viñas and Puget Riquer. Set in a beautiful old palace, the museum divides up the works of the painters into two different galleries and regularly hosts other exhibitions, such as photos of Ibiza in the past.
The Archaeological Museum of Ibiza and Formentera (MAEF) is set over two sites, one in Dalt Vila (the Dalt Vila Museum is temporarily closed for renovation) and the other in the Phoenician necropolis of Puig des Molins. Both take you on a journey through the many communities that have lived on Ibiza during its long history with a display of artefacts found on the island from Punic and Roman times.
The Madina Yabisa Interpretation Centre, located near the cathedral in Ibiza Town, uses modern audio-visual technology to show the history of the city, focusing on the period known as Al-Andalus when Ibiza was under Islamic rule.
Near the church of Santa Eulalia, you will find an old country house which is home to the Can Ros Ethnographic Museum of Ibiza. It shows the island's former more pastoral way of life, with all manner of household utensils and farming equipment. There's also jewellery, traditional costumes, musical instruments and even weapons. Here you can easily imagine rural life on the island a couple of hundred years ago.
Museums on Formentera
The Ethnographic Museum in San Francisco has a permanent exhibition of tools, furniture, clothing, instruments and other utensils, which showcase daily live on the small island until the mid-20th century.
In La Mola Lighthouse you will find a cultural space for the maritime heritage of Formentera.
