Culture

Long before its beaches ever became famous, visitors to the “Island of Calm” as Ruben Dario called it, were fascinated by Mallorca´s enormous number of monuments, outstanding architecture, art galleries and literature. They were attracted by the famous historic monuments in Palma itself, such as Cathedral, Castle Bellver, The Royal Palace, “ Sa Llonja”, The Gran Hotel, The Museum of Mallorca, the patios of mansions like “Can Vivot”, “Can Oleza”, “ Can Solleric” and the dozens of galleries specialising in contemporary art. Furthermore, outside the capital they visited the monasteries, the ancient watch-towers, cloisters, churches, town halls and museums featured in many of Mallorca´s fifty-two towns and villages.

During the winter months, the island´s cultural life starts with the opera season, plus a whole programme of exciting events and concerts. In addition, the local government’s “Winter in Mallorca” programme, features free concerts throughout the island. In summer, the island hosts, now famous, open air festivals of classical music and recitals of contemporary music, jazz including the Jazz Voyeur Festival, ballet or theatre.

Mallorca’s public foundations and organisations support and sponsor the arts and include; Fundación Pilar y Joan Miró”, “ Fundación la Caixa”, “Fundación Sa Nostra” and the “Fundación March” “Fundacion Yannick & Ben Jakober”. In addition, a programme of visual art exhibitions are usually sponsored by the local government in locations such as “ La Lonja”, “Can Solleric”, “Ses Voltes”, “El Museo de Bellas Artes” or “La Casa de la Cultura”. Finally, there are daily literary educational programmes of events on offer, promoted by University of Balearic Islands in conjunction with public or private institutions.