Es Baluard Museu d'Art Contemporani de Palma

About the museum

Es Baluard occupies the perimeter of the bastion of Sant Pere, part of the Renaissance walled enclosure that surrounded Palma until the early 20th century. The bastion was raised in the last quarter of the 16th century, when the old medieval walls were reinforced with new ramparts designed by the Italian engineer Giacomo Palearo Fratín. Because of its size and strategic position it housed one of the most prestigious artillery schools in Europe, and it took on its present form in the 18th century.

In 1952 the bastion ceased to have a military use and passed into private hands. In 1963 the new owners tried to demolish the wall with lime bombs, but public reaction led to the complex being declared a historic-artistic site and to a plan for its reconstruction in 1965. The land was later classified for public use and, in 1997, Palma City Council ceded it for the construction of the museum.

The museum opened on 30 January 2004 with a collection of modern and contemporary art. Its architecture combines the historic wall with contemporary volumes, and from the terraces the port, the bay and the cathedral can be seen. Besides the collection room and temporary exhibitions, the building includes a cistern, a central courtyard, an auditorium and sculptures spread through the outdoor spaces, and the Arxiu Balears project documents artists and art agents of the islands.

Highlights

• Renaissance bastion of Sant Pere integrated into the museum
• Viewing terrace with views over the bay and the cathedral
• Collection room of modern and contemporary art
• Sculptures in the courtyard and on the terraces
• Friday admission at a price of your choice from €0.10

Permanent exhibition

• Sala Colección – Selection of modern and contemporary artworks from the museum's collection, with pieces by artists such as Bernardí Roig, Sandra Cinto and João Penalva.

Founded

2004

Operated by

Fundació Es Baluard Museu d'Art Contemporani de Palma

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Open days in 2026: 6 and 20 January, 30 January to 1 February (museum anniversary), 1 March, 16 and 17 May, 28 June and 6 December.

General admission includes the building, temporary exhibitions, the collection room, the cistern and the upper terraces. Free admission with accreditation for unemployed people, journalists, teaching staff, tourist guides, cultural managers and educators, members of ICOM, CIMAM and several art associations, and friends of the museum.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

The museum declares itself fully adapted for people with mobility difficulties: ramps from floor 0 to floor 2, a lift to the central courtyard and another three-cabin lift to floor 2, and adapted toilets on floors 0 and 1. A wheelchair is available for anyone who needs it. Guide and assistance dogs are admitted. The collection exhibitions offer easy-read guides, and there is an adapted guide to the museum.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The “Aprender” programme includes workshops and activities for families with children of different ages who approach the current exhibitions in a participatory way.

Getting there & parking

The museum has bicycle parking in the courtyard, opposite the main entrance.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check

Bar-restaurant on the museum terrace with views over the city. Shop-bookshop with catalogues, art books, children's books and the museum's own editions. Free cloakroom.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The cistern, the auditorium, the central courtyard and the outdoor terrace are available for hire, also for photography sessions and private guided tours.

Plan your visit