Introduction
Nestled in the coastal city of A Coruña, the Colección de Arte da Fundación María José Jove stands as one of Spain’s most significant private art initiatives. What began in the mid-1990s as a personal endeavor by businessman Manuel Jove Capellán has evolved into a world-class institutional collection. Originally conceived to celebrate the rich heritage of Galician artists, the collection has since expanded its horizons to house an impressive array of national and international masterpieces spanning from the 19th century to the cutting-edge contemporary scene of the 21st century.
A Legacy of Culture and Inclusion
The significance of the collection lies in its dual identity as both a high-caliber gallery and a socially conscious institution. Beyond its role as a repository for aesthetic beauty, the Centro de Arte FMJJ serves as the heart of a multidisciplinary project dedicated to education and social integration. Visitors are invited into a space where art is treated as a tool for dialogue, emphasizing diversity and accessibility. This mission ensures that the works are not merely displayed but are actively used to foster research and community engagement, making it a vital cultural hub in Northwest Spain.
Why You Should Visit
For any traveler exploring the cultural landscape of Galicia, this collection is an essential stop for several reasons:
- Artistic Breadth: Experience a seamless transition from 19th-century classics to the provocative installations of the modern day.
- Galician Identity: Gain a deep understanding of the local soul through a curated selection of works by the region's most influential artists.
- Intimate Atmosphere: Unlike the crowded corridors of major metropolitan museums, the foundation offers an intimate setting that allows for a personal and reflective connection with the art.
- Social Impact: Support an institution that integrates artistic excellence with social and educational programs designed to make culture accessible to all.
Highlights
- Buste de Jeune Garçon by Pablo Picasso (1944): This intimate wartime portrait showcases the artist’s mastery of expressive line and simplified form.
- L’âne pourri by Salvador Dalí (1928): An essential early surrealist work that explores the artist's fascination with decay and the subconscious through meticulous detail.
- Espantapájaros by Maruja Mallo (1929): Part of her "Sewers and Bell Towers" series, this painting highlights the Galician artist’s unique, somber contribution to the Spanish avant-garde.
- O Loureiro by Luis Seoane (1963): A vibrant example of Galician modernism, this piece synthesizes local folk motifs with bold, mid-century geometric abstraction.
- Le compotier by Fernand Léger (1953): This late-career still life features the artist’s signature "tubist" style, using bold primary colors and heavy black outlines.
- Sombra de buey by Miquel Barceló (1985): A massive, textured canvas that demonstrates the artist’s tactile approach to painting and his preoccupation with organic, earthy themes.
- Untitled by Anselm Kiefer (2004): A powerful contemporary installation piece that utilizes mixed media to explore themes of German history and collective memory.
- L'Espoir by Joan Miró (1946): This whimsical composition uses the artist's iconic symbolic vocabulary of stars and biological shapes to convey a sense of post-war optimism.
Getting There
The Colección de Arte da Fundación María José Jove is located in the A Grela industrial estate (Polígono de la Grela) in A Coruña. The museum is housed within the Edificio Work Center.
Taxi or Car
The museum is located at Rúa Galileo Galilei, 6, 15008 A Coruña. Visitors traveling by car or taxi should head to the Work Center building, which serves as the headquarters for the Fundación María José Jove.
Public Transport
The museum is accessible via the transport links serving the Polígono de la Grela district. It is situated on Rúa Galileo Galilei, a main thoroughfare within the industrial estate.
Walking
The collection is located in a standalone building ("edificio exento") within the Work Center complex. Once at the building, visitors can find the permanent exhibition on the second floor, where it occupies approximately 1,000 square meters.
Parking
The museum is located within the Edificio Work Center in the A Grela industrial zone.
Admission & Opening Hours
The Colección de Arte da Fundación María José Jove is open to visitors from Monday through Friday. Please note the early closure on Friday afternoons and that the gallery is not open on weekends.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 09:00-18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00-18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00-18:00
- Thursday: 09:00-18:00
- Friday: 09:00-14:30
- Saturday: closed
- Sunday: closed
Admission
For the most up-to-date information regarding admission fees and entry requirements, please check the official website.
Nearby Attractions
- MEGA Mundo Estrella Galicia (120 m, 2 min): This immersive museum located within the active brewery offers a comprehensive look at the history, culture, and production of the region's famous beer.
- Marineda City (750 m, 10 min): One of Spain's largest shopping and leisure complexes, featuring a wide variety of international retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
- Parque de Vioño (1.1 km, 15 min): A modern urban green space offering wide walking paths, landscaped lawns, and recreational areas for a relaxing break from the city.
Know Before You Go
Accessibility
- The Colección de Arte da Fundación María José Jove is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that the galleries are open and navigable for all visitors.
Photography
- Visitors are encouraged to inquire about the current photography and filming policy at the reception desk upon arrival to ensure compliance with the foundation's regulations.
Best Time to Visit
- Since typical visit durations are not specified, it is recommended to consult the foundation’s official schedule and allow yourself ample time to explore the collection at your own pace.
Facilities
- For information regarding available on-site services or visitor amenities, please contact the foundation directly or speak with the staff during your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Colección de Arte FMJJ? A: The Colección de Arte Fundación María José Jove is a prestigious art collection based in A Coruña. Originally started by Manuel Jove Capellán in the 1990s, it now consists of works owned by the Jove family and the Foundation itself, serving as a multidisciplinary center for art, education, and social integration.
Q: Where exactly is the collection located? A: The collection is housed within the Foundation's headquarters in the A Grela district of A Coruña. You can find it at:
- C/Galileo Galilei 6, Edificio Work Center
- 15008 A Coruña, Spain
Q: What type of art is on display? A: The collection offers a broad survey of Galician, national, and international art. Visitors can explore a wide variety of artistic movements and figures spanning from the 19th century through to the 21st century.
Q: How large is the exhibition area? A: The permanent exhibition space is quite substantial, occupying approximately 1,000 square meters on the second floor of the Work Center building.
Q: Is the center focused solely on displaying paintings? A: No. The Centro de Arte FMJJ operates as a multidisciplinary project. It views art as a tool for social development and research, focusing on the interrelation between artistic production, cultural mediation, and social inclusion.
Q: Who founded the collection? A: The collection was initiated by Manuel Jove Capellán in the mid-1990s. Over the decades, it has grown through a dedicated purchasing policy managed by the Fundación María José Jove to become the diverse collection seen today.
Q: What are the main objectives of the Art Center? A: The center works around several core pillars:
- Research: Investigating contemporary and historical artistic practices.
- Education: Providing pedagogical tools and social perspectives through art.
- Social Integration: Using culture as a bridge for community development.
Q: How can I get in touch with the gallery for visitor information? A: For specific inquiries regarding visiting hours or group bookings, you can reach the center via email at [info@fundacionmariajosejove.org](mailto:info@fundacionmariajosejove.org).
Q: Is the collection international in scope? A: Yes. While it began with a strong focus on gathering a selection of Galician art, the collection has expanded to include significant national and international works, providing a global context to the artistic movements on display.