Hey fellow culture enthusiasts! Last week, we had the incredible chance to immerse ourselves in the world of art and creativity at Fundación Bancaja (Fundació Bancaixa in Valenciano) in Valencia, Spain. From the captivating exhibits of “Sorolla en Negro,” “Arte belga. Del impresionismo a Magritte,” to “Fernando Botero. Sensualidad y melancolía,” this cultural center proved to be a true gem in the heart of Valencia’s art scene.
Table of Contents
A Glimpse of the Magnificent Building
Let’s start with the first thing that caught my eye even before stepping inside – the stunning architecture of Fundación Bancaja. The building itself is a testament to Valencia’s rich history and blends seamlessly with its modern surroundings.
Dos edificios históricos en uno
The current Centro Cultural Bancaja, which houses the cultural and social activities of Fundación Bancaja in Valencia, is the result of a remarkable architectural endeavor. It involved remodeling and reimagining the spaces to unite two historic buildings within the same city block – the Tetuán building and the Glorieta building.
Photo by De Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, Enlace
The Elegance of the Tetuán Building
The Tetuán building, designed by the architect Lucas García Cardona, was originally constructed in 1891 as the residence of Manuel Gómez Fos. Its eclectic style exudes perfection in form, elegance, and sobriety. You’ll notice its rectangular base, and the corners are gracefully adorned with towers of circular shape, featuring tambour and enameled domes. The building showcases its beautiful facades facing the Tetuán Square, General Tovar Street, and Pouet de Sant Vicent Street.
Over time, the building’s purpose evolved, and it was transformed into residential units. However, in the 1970s, the Caja de Ahorros y Monte de Piedad de Valencia gradually acquired ownership of these units to expand its central services. Then, in 1978, after establishing a new headquarters on Pintor Sorolla Street, the institution decided to repurpose the Tetuán building as a cultural center linked to its social endeavors.
The Baroque Majesty of the Glorieta Building
On the other hand, the Glorieta building, also known as the Caja de Ahorros y Monte de Piedad de Valencia (1932-1934), stands on the site of the 18th-century palace of the Condes de Castrillo y Orgaz, where the entity was initially located. An exemplar of Baroque and Valencian architecture, it shares the rectangular floor plan with the Tetuán building and faces Mar Street, General Tovar Street, and Pouet de San Vicent Street. This majestic structure rises to five floors, its facades adorned entirely with stone.
One of its most remarkable features is the ornate design, incorporating elements from various Valencian monuments, showcasing the architect Antonio Gómez-Davó’s vision to integrate specific architectural and stylistic elements. During the Spanish Civil War, the building became home to the Ministry of Propaganda when the Republic’s government moved to Valencia in 1936. However, after the war, it was seized by the Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las JONS on March 29, 1939.
Unfortunately, the Glorieta building bore the brunt of the disastrous flood of October 13-14, 1957, which submerged furniture, machinery, and valuable documents in water and mud.
A Transformation for Culture
In 2007, these two remarkable historic buildings underwent a profound transformation to become the current Centro Cultural Bancaja. The renovation, led by architects Pablo Martínez Montesa, José Ricardo Martínez Montesa, and José Alberto Jordá Albiñana, seamlessly unified both structures, creating a cultural haven spanning 12,000 square meters dedicated to promoting arts and fostering social initiatives.
While the union is imperceptible to visitors inside, the exteriors of both buildings have been carefully preserved in all their glory. The primary objective of this renovation was to cater to the functional needs of an institution devoted to cultural and social activities while preserving the artistic value of these emblematic structures, significant gems in Valencia’s architectural heritage.
A Fusion of Old and New
Upon entering the Fundación Bancaja, you’ll be greeted by an impressive harmony of old and new. The architects have brilliantly combined the historical essence of the building with contemporary design elements, creating an atmosphere that immediately sets the tone for a delightful cultural experience.
staircase inside Centro Cultural de Bancaja. Photos by ©suitcaseinspain
Sorolla en Negro: Unveiling the Dark Beauty
One of the current highlights at Fundación Bancaja is the “Sorolla en Negro” exhibition. This collection pays tribute to the renowned Valencian painter Joaquín Sorolla (1863-1923), who was born in Valencia and is considered one of the greatest Spanish painters of the 20th century. While Sorolla is often celebrated for his vibrant and light-filled coastal scenes, this exhibit delves into the artist’s exploration of shadows, contrast, and emotion through his darker pieces.
Joaquin Sorolla and Clotilde García del Castillo. Photos by ©suitcaseinspain
Photo by ©suitcaseinspain
Arte belga. Del impresionismo a Magritte: A Belgian Masterpiece Journey
Stepping into the “Arte belga” exhibit feels like taking a captivating trip through Belgium’s artistic history. This collection features a splendid array of Belgian painters who made significant contributions to the art world from the late 19th to the mid-20th century.
Among the renowned Belgian painters showcased in this exhibition are Paul Delvaux (1897-1994), a visionary painter and printmaker known for his macabre and satirical works, and Théo van Rysselberghe (1862-1926), a prominent pointillist who played a pivotal role in the Belgian avant-garde movement.
Image: The Courtesans
Painted by Paul Devaux in 1944
Medium: Oil on Panel
Dimensions: 89.5 x 130 cm
©suitcaseinspain
A highlight of this exhibit is the extraordinary surrealist works of René Magritte (1898-1967), born in Lessines, Belgium. Magritte’s thought-provoking and enigmatic paintings, such as “The Son of Man” and “The Treachery of Images,” challenge conventional perceptions and have had a profound impact on the Surrealist movement. His art continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and he interacted with other influential artists of his time, including the famous Spanish surrealist, Salvador Dalí.
Image: The Face of Genius
Painted by René Magritte in 1927
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Provenance: Max Janlet, 1977
©suitcaseinspain
Fernando Botero. Sensualidad y melancolía: Boldness in Beauty
For those who appreciate art that celebrates the human form in all its boldness, the “Fernando Botero” exhibition is an absolute must-see. Born in Medellín, Colombia, Botero (born 1932) is a living legend of contemporary art. His distinct style, characterized by voluminous figures and exaggerated proportions, lends a unique charm to his artworks.
Botero’s artistic journey began at a young age, and he honed his skills by studying the works of the Renaissance masters. Over the years, he developed a style that became instantly recognizable and widely celebrated.
Throughout his prolific career, Fernando Botero met various influential artists, including Pablo Picasso and Diego Rivera, who appreciated his fresh approach to art and admired his dedication to crafting a unique artistic identity.
Painted by Fernando Botero
Medium: Graphite and Watercolor on Paper
©suitcaseinspain
Beyond the Exhibits: A Hub of Cultural Activities
Fundación Bancaja offers more than just captivating exhibits. It’s a bustling cultural center, hosting a plethora of events, workshops, concerts, and educational programs throughout the year. The foundation’s commitment to nurturing creativity and fostering artistic dialogue is evident in its diverse range of activities that cater to art enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds.
A Final Thought: Embracing Art in All Its Splendor
Our visit to Fundación Bancaja was an awe-inspiring experience that left us with a profound appreciation for art’s diverse expressions. From the exquisite building that effortlessly blends the old with the new to the enthralling exhibits that celebrate the beauty of various art forms, this cultural center in Valencia is a treasure trove for anyone passionate about arts and culture.