Fundación Montenmedio Contemporánea
Outdoor contemporary art museum in the Dehesa de Montenmedio, with site-specific works for the landscape and James Turrell's Skyspace.
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About the museum
The Fundación Montenmedio Contemporánea, also known as NMAC, is a private open-air contemporary art space. It opened its doors in June 2001 in the Dehesa de Montenmedio, in the municipality of Vejer de la Frontera, and occupies around 30 hectares of Mediterranean pine forest beside the Breña and Marismas del Barbate natural park. Its approach is to invite artists from around the world to create site-specific projects that engage with the landscape and with the history, geography and society of the region.
The collection is spread between the forest, where sculptures, installations and architectural projects stand, and former military barracks that have been rehabilitated and house the reception, the exhibition rooms, the library and works by artists such as Marina Abramović, Olafur Eliasson or Santiago Sierra. Among the first pieces are those by Abramović, Maurizio Cattelan, Sol LeWitt and Roxy Paine. In 2009 James Turrell's “Second Wind” was inaugurated, a Skyspace unique in Spain.
More than forty artists have carried out projects for the foundation. Besides the collection, it runs an educational and cultural mediation programme, workshops and summer activities.
Highlights
- Sculpture park in the Mediterranean forest
- “Second Wind” Skyspace by James Turrell, with a light sequence
- Former military barracks with works by Marina Abramović, Olafur Eliasson and Santiago Sierra
- Quarry with the work “Nidos humanos” (Human Nests)
- More than 40 artists with site-specific projects
Permanent exhibitions
- Colección permanente – Installations, sculptures, architectural projects, photography, video and performance created specifically for the Mediterranean forest and the former military barracks.
- Secuencia lumínica de James Turrell – Light show inside the “Second Wind” Skyspace, an immersive experience beneath the opening to the sky; only in weekend sessions, by reservation.
- Founded
- 2001
- Operated by
- Fundación Montenmedio Contemporánea (NMAC)
- Director
- Ximena Blázquez
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | –Students, holders of the Carné Joven, people over 65 and people with disabilities |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 11 · Free admission for children under 12. |
| Seniors | –Discount for people over 65; the amount is not published. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –Discount for people with disabilities; the amount is not published. |
| Students & apprentices | –Discount for students; the amount is not published. |
| Groups | –Discount for groups of more than 15 people; the amount is not published. |
| Guided visit, 1 to 5 people (total price) | €150Supplement of €30 per group for visits in English or French. Available Tuesday to Sunday. |
| Guided visit, from 5 people (per person) | €30Supplement of €10 per person for visits in English or French. Children under 12 free. |
| James Turrell light sequence (per participant) | €30Saturdays and Sundays at sunset, with booking at least 48 hours in advance and a minimum of 4 participants; lasts about 40 minutes, does not include the visit to the collection and is not suitable for children. |
General admission: €10 per person, without advance booking, at reception. Free admission also for members of ICOM, the press and friends of the foundation. Dogs may enter if they are kept on a lead for the whole visit.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The terrain is uneven and suitable footwear is recommended; at least 1 hour and 30 minutes of walking are needed to see the whole collection. The foundation advises caution around the water works.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 11 |
- Stroller-friendly: not available
The terrain is uneven, so pushchairs are not recommended. School visits can be combined with an educational workshop.
Getting there & parking
The foundation is in the Dehesa de Montenmedio, next to the N-340 road at kilometre 42.5, in the municipality of Vejer de la Frontera.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum is visited outdoors; avoid the hottest hours of the day.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The guided visit begins in the sculpture park, continues through the quarry and ends at the military barracks; a break can be taken after the park. School visits cost €5 per pupil (teachers free, minimum 15 pupils) and require advance booking at reservas@fundacionnmac.org or on +34 956 455 134. A downloadable map is available on the website. |
