Reina Sofía Overhauls Permanent Collection with 60% Never-Before-Seen Works
Under the leadership of Director Manuel Borja-Villel, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid has revamped its permanent exhibition, titled 'Vasos comunicantes. Colección 1881-2021.' Picasso's iconic 'Guernica' remains the sole constant in room 205. This reorganization, which took place during the pandemic, showcases approximately 2,000 pieces across six floors, with 60% being exhibited to the public for the first time. The collection explores themes such as exile, crises, and feminism, beginning with historical avant-gardes and emphasizing Latin American art. The concluding section focuses on women artists. Dubbed a 'show of shows,' the exhibition's complexity might pose challenges for viewers. The previous rehang occurred in 2010.
Key facts
- Reina Sofía permanent collection reorganized as 'Vasos comunicantes. Colección 1881-2021'
- Director Manuel Borja-Villel has led the museum for 13 years
- Only fixed point is Picasso's 'Guernica' in room 205
- Sabatini building designed as a hospital in 1755
- Rehang done during pandemic with entire museum team
- About 2,000 works across six floors (Sabatini and Jean Nouvel extension)
- Total exhibition space 15,000 square meters
- Approximately 60% of works on public display for the first time
- First time including architecture, cinema, theater, and flamenco
- Last rehang was in 2010
- Route opens with historical avant-gardes up to 1930s
- Focus on 1937 Expo, Picasso, Dalí, and Miró
- Italian presences: Medardo Rosso, Gabriele Basilico, Pistoletto, Merz, Calzolari, Luciano Fabro, Kounellis
- Ground floor recovered warehouses serve as gateway to South America
- Route closes with feminist focus: Dora García, Rosa Barba, Hito Steyerl, Joan Jonas, Carmen Laffon
Entities
Artists
- Pablo Picasso
- Salvador Dalí
- Joan Miró
- Medardo Rosso
- Gabriele Basilico
- Michelangelo Pistoletto
- Mario Merz
- Piero Gilardi
- Luciano Fabro
- Jannis Kounellis
- Dora García
- Rosa Barba
- Hito Steyerl
- Joan Jonas
- Carmen Laffon
- Manuel Borja-Villel
Institutions
- Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
- Fundación Telefónica
- Patricia Phelps de Cisneros
- Financial Times
Locations
- Madrid
- Spain
- Mexico
- South America
- Latin America
- Seville
- Beirut
- Italy