Museum Jorge Rando

Nestled in the heart of Málaga, the Museum Jorge Rando stands as a beacon of expressionist art, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the profound and evocative world of Jorge Rando and other prominent artists. Officially inaugurated on May 28, 2014, this museum is the first of its kind in Spain, dedicated solely to the expressionist movement. Here, art is not just displayed; it breathes, interacts, and resonates with every visitor who steps through its doors.

The Museum

The Museum Jorge Rando is more than just a repository of artworks; it is a dynamic cultural space that reflects the philosophy and artistic vision of Jorge Rando himself. The museum's mission is twofold: to study and disseminate Rando's work and to explore the broader poetics of expressionism, a movement that has significantly shaped contemporary Western culture since the late 19th century. This commitment extends beyond painting and sculpture to encompass architecture, philosophy, literature, cinema, and music, making it a holistic hub for artistic exploration.

One of the museum's defining features is its open-door policy, encapsulated in the motto doors always open... so that people can enter and the museum can go out. This ethos fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where art is accessible to all, and the boundary between the museum and the community is fluid and permeable.

Exhibitions

Jorge Rando's Work

The museum's permanent collection is a testament to the prolific and diverse oeuvre of Jorge Rando. The exhibition space is in a state of constant flux, with different thematic cycles of Rando's work rotating to complement the temporary exhibits. This ever-changing display ensures that each visit offers a fresh and unique experience, allowing visitors to engage with new facets of Rando's artistic journey.

Temporary Exhibitions

The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions featuring national and international artists linked to expressionism and neo-expressionism. In its inaugural year, the museum showcased a collection of drawings by the renowned artist Käthe Kollwitz. Following this, in December 2015, it presented the first major exhibition in Spain of the sculptor Ernst Barlach. These temporary exhibits provide a platform for dialogue between Rando's work and that of other expressionist artists, enriching the museum's narrative and broadening its artistic scope.

The Living Room of Art

The Museum Jorge Rando aspires to be The Living Room of Art, a vibrant space where various artistic disciplines converge. Throughout the year, it hosts a range of events, including music cycles like The Color of Sound, film forums under the banner Lights and Shadows, literary and theatrical presentations in El Gabinet, and art colloquiums and lectures in the Art cycle. Additionally, the What's Happening series, coordinated by the UNESCO Chair of Communication at the University of Málaga, facilitates discussions on current affairs, linking contemporary issues with artistic expression.

Visits and Education

The museum offers guided tours that are free of charge and do not require reservations or minimum group sizes. These tours, led by art historians, are designed to be interactive and responsive to the interests and needs of the visitors, transforming each visit into a shared journey of discovery and mutual enrichment.

In addition to general tours, the museum provides personalized visits for groups with special needs and an educational program aimed at bringing expressionism, neo-expressionism, and contemporary art closer to students. These educational initiatives include guided tours, artistic workshops, and discussion forums, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art on display.

The Building

The Museum Jorge Rando is housed in a building adjacent to the Monastery of the Mercedarias on Cruz del Molinillo Street. Designed by architect Manuel Rivera Valentín in 1878, the building is an architectural gem of significant artistic interest. Notably, the courtyard features a remarkable mandarin tree planted by the monastery's founder over 140 years ago, adding a touch of historical charm to the space.

The conversion of part of the monastery into a museum began in 2011, with the project completed in the spring of 2014. The juxtaposition of the ancient brickwork of the cloister with modern concrete and oxidized steel elements creates a striking synergy that mirrors the spiritual and contemplative nature of the monastery with the raw intensity of expressionist art.

Facilities

The museum boasts four exhibition halls, all naturally lit, which is a distinctive feature of its design. Other amenities include a library, a courtyard, and El Atelier, a space dedicated to artistic creation. This atelier is a vibrant meeting place for artists, historians, and visitors, facilitating the exchange of ideas and fostering debates on art and culture.

Management

The Museum Jorge Rando is managed by the Fundación Jorge Rando, which oversees all aspects of the museum's operations, including exhibitions, lecture series on expressionist art and aesthetics, workshops, and seminars. This foundation ensures that the museum remains a dynamic and engaging cultural institution, continually evolving to meet the needs and interests of its diverse audience.

In conclusion, the Museum Jorge Rando is not just a museum; it is a living, breathing testament to the power of expressionist art to move, challenge, and inspire. Whether you are an art aficionado or a curious visitor, a visit to this museum promises a rich and rewarding experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation of the profound emotional and spiritual depths of expressionism.