The Asturian Museum of Fine Arts
The incredible Museo de Bellas Artes de Asturias (Asturian Museum of Fine Arts) is smack dab in the middle of Oviedo, just meters away from the Cathedral. Filled with modern and classic works spanning centuries, a visit is indispensable, especially considering the happy fact that it’s free.
The museum, which opened in 1980, occupies two of the city’s most important historic buildings: the Palacio de Pedro Velarde, which houses the museum’s classic masterworks, and the Casa de Oviedo-Portal, with a collection of modern art. We recommend starting at the former, through its entrance on Calle Santa Ana, to proceed in a chronologically correct way through the museum’s artwork.
The modern art, with a heavy emphasis on Asturian works, is alright, but the museum’s real treasures are found in the Palacio Velarde. Dalí, Picasso, Sorrolla, Goya and more. We were impressed by El Greco’s series of the Twelve Apostles arranged around a large column, and also liked the massive Altarpiece of Saint Marine, which depicts twelve scenes from her life and six from the Passion.
The museum is a lot bigger than it looks from the outside, and is set to expand even further in the near future, with construction already underway on five additional buildings. Expect to spend a couple hours, to get through all the rooms.
If you have even a passing interest in art, make sure to check out the museum during your stay. Actually, even if you don’t have interest in art, you should go. Should you be so disinterested that a free museum filled with works from Spain’s greatest masters doesn’t entice you, you need to work a little on your cultural awareness, anyway.
More Photos of the Asturian Museum of Fine Arts
A wonderful gallery in Oviedo. I wish I had a catalogue and will visit again as soon as I can.
Thank you very much for your wonderful series of 91 days, and congratulations on all the great work, which I read avidly. I have a question. In the Museum of Fine Arts in Oviedo, you put a sample of various paintings found in the permanent collection. One has captivated me. It is, presumably, XIX Century, and depicts a painter’s studio. His (presumed) model has just come, and has taken off one shoe. She is now hiding behind the canvas, while the painter, giving her his back, is looking at a secret passage. May I please know the painting’s title and the name of its painter? With many thanks in advance, I remain cordially yours.Guido Mina di Sospiro
Thanks for the comments! You’re right, that is certainly a striking painting… I’m not sure about the artist’s name or the painting’s title. The Museum has an email address on their contact page…http://www.museobbaa.com/ Perhaps they’d be willing to help!
I visited the gallery about 10 years ago and was taken aback by a painting of a spanish peasant girl/mother with two young children. The look of despair in her eyes was astounding. I do not have a catalogue, i do not know the atrist or the title of the painting. perhaps you can help me.Many thanks