Chillida Leku Museum Reopens in San Sebastián After Decade-Long Closure
On April 17, 2019, Chillida Leku, the museum established by Spanish artist Eduardo Chillida (1924-2002) located in Hernani, close to San Sebastián, welcomed visitors again after being closed for nearly ten years. Covering an area of eleven hectares, the museum features 42 sculptures and offers modern facilities, including a visitor center, café, and Wi-Fi. The closure was due to financial challenges, prompting the Chillida family to collaborate with Swiss gallery Hauser & Wirth for management assistance. The Chillida Foundation, overseen by his son Luis, is responsible for the archive. A temporary exhibition titled 'Echos' presents around ninety pieces. Chillida, famed for 'Peine del viento' (1977), maintains a strong connection to his Basque heritage, coinciding with a cultural resurgence in northern Spain.
Key facts
- Chillida Leku reopened on April 17, 2019 after nearly a decade of closure.
- The museum is located in Hernani, a few kilometers from San Sebastián, Spain.
- It spans eleven hectares and features 42 sculptures by Eduardo Chillida.
- The reopening involved architectural and landscape improvements for accessibility and modern museum standards.
- Hauser & Wirth now manages the artist's legacy in exchange for supporting the museum's reopening.
- The temporary exhibition 'Echos' displays about ninety works, including loans.
- Eduardo Chillida represented Spain at the 1958 Venice Biennale.
- The artist's public work 'Peine del viento' (1977) is located at the entrance of Playa de la Concha in San Sebastián.
Entities
Artists
- Eduardo Chillida
- Pablo Picasso
- Joan Miró
- Frank Gehry
- Renzo Piano
Institutions
- Chillida Leku
- Hauser & Wirth
- Chillida Foundation
- Museo Guggenheim Bilbao
- Centro Botín
- Chillida Lantoki
- Biennale di Venezia
Locations
- San Sebastián
- Spain
- Hernani
- Basque Country
- Paris
- Bilbao
- Santander
- Legazpi
- Valle del ferro
- Playa de la Concha
- Mar Cantábrico