MUBAM, Museo de Bellas Artes de Murcia

Murcia, The Murcia Museum of Fine Art

The MUBAM, Museo de Bellas Artes Murcia, is a carefully compiled collection of art which transverses centuries of murcian culture, capturing the essence of each epoch with examples representative of the most important architectural and social movements of the time.

Its not a large collection by gallery standards, but somehow this makes it all the more important,  as each piece is selected for its merits rather than just filling wall space, so instead of walking through one rambling gallery of dewy-eyed madonnas after another, the few selected pieces merit the time to pause and absorb their message, admire their quality and enjoy the movement which each is selected to convey.

The galleries progress in a logical order, the gilded purity of the renaissance, the exuberance of baroque, the golden age of the 17^th century and triumphantly sailing into the era of religious ecstasy with Murcias most famous son, Francisco Salzillo, producing some of the most exquisite pieces of sculpture ever made in the region.

Interspersed with the paintings are cheerfully rustic ceramics, recovered from the nunnery which existed before the present building was constructed, intimately simple dishes decorated with the names of the sisters who ate from them, side by side with polychrome tiles, the only remnants of the decorations which once graced the nunnery.

Moving up to the second floor the characters of nineteenth century Murcia are reproduced in gloriously homely detail, with expressive and vibrant works representing  idealistically romantic retratos,  wistful representations of historical subjects characteristic of their era, albeit with a twist of character and affection which shows they were painted for those reluctant to renounce their roots, but with their purses firmly directed towards the wealth generated by the explosion of manufacturing activity which funded art for pleasure, rather than religious salvation..

Theres colour in these works, sympathetic treatment of idyllic peasant life which idealises the simplistic huerta existence, but with deep affection, a tendency still observed by the modern Murcians in the Bando de la Huerta and the festivals which celebrate the traditions of this region today. Its still here, and the figures in these paintings are believable and human, as well as beautifully executed. 

An interesting little detail which some may find interesting is the personal jewellery which shows exquisitely detailed workmanship, particularly the tiny brooch with the horse painstakingly carved in mindboggling detail.

Another reminder of the Regions past is the display of Cartagena ceramics from the Fábrica de Amistad in the Santa Lucia district of Cartagena, and glassware produced in another factory, La fabrica de Cristal y Vidrios de Santa Lucia, which produced tableware until the 1950s.

Temporary Exhibitions

Part of the museum incorporates a new annexe which is a newly converted building which at first glance appears to be a historic church, but is a gleaming expanse of glass and chrome internally, an empathetic setting for sculptural and conceptual art exhibitions.

Make sure you have a look inside when visiting the MUBAM, its like entering a time tardis.

 Museo de Bellas Artes

Calle Obispo Frutos 12 Murcia

Click for map, MUBAM Murcia

Opening hours

Tuesday-Friday 10am-2pm and 5pm to 8pm
Saturdays 11am-2pm and 5pm to 8pm
Sundays and festivals 11am-2pm
Closed Mondays.
24th December and 31st December, 10am to 2pm
NB During July and August the Museum is closed during the evenings.

Please check with the Murcia Tourist Office if making a special journey as opening times can change without us receiving notification. Murcia tourist office Tel: 968 358 749

Parking

There is good underground parking available in the Plaza de la Universidad, less than a 5 minute walk from the museum. There is parking in the squares near to the museum, but if youre nervous about negotiating the confusing one-way system in this area, its much better to head for the underground car park and walk.

Access
There is a lift for disabled visitors and ample space internally .

Entrance is Free

Would we recommend it?

If you enjoy art, absolutely. The quality of the works is really superb and theres an indefinable essence of Spain in these pieces, a humanity and an excellence of execution which makes a visit to this museum a real pleasure.

There is a leaflet available in English which explains a little about the movements represented, and the staff on duty were extremely enthusiastic and helpful, explaining the significance of the conceptual pieces,  and transmitting their genuine pleasure in the works on show.

Images:

Image 1: Sala VII and Sala VI MUBAM
Image 2: Sala VIII MUBAM
Image 3: Sala VI MUBAM
Image 4: Sala III MUBAM
Image 5 : Sala II MUBAM
Images copyright MUBAM. Not to be reproduced without permission of the MUBAM.