Mallorca’s Hidden Gems

Museu Sa Bassa Blanca

There are still some blissful hidden corners of Mallorca to discover and the estate of Sa Bassa Blanca is tucked away on the pretty peninsula of Cap des Pinar between the bays of Alcudia and Pollença in the northern part of the island. 

Today it hosts a Foundation established in 1993 by artists and collectors Yannick & Ben Jakober and is home to one of the most important private art collections in Mallorca. The intention of the foundation is to promote cultural development and respect for the environment through a holistic and symbiotic experience combining art, nature and architecture.

The museum is quietly located eight minutes drive from the town of Alcudia and the final 4km leg of the journey is along a picturesque unpaved road through pine forests which are part of the vast estate and a protected nature reserve. On arriving, you’ll pass through automatic gates and along a private driveway before entering what feels like another world!

Once parked, the pathway leading to the impressive entrance with the white crenellated building beyond is lined with sculptures giving a little taste of what’s to come. Pass through the vast arched gates you’ll be welcomed by the staff in the ticket office who’ll give you a map and explain everything you need to know. In the cobbled central courtyard you’ll find a small shop selling souvenirs, olive oil produced on the estate and also a cafeteria serving snacks and drinks.

You can start your tour by walking through the walled rose garden featuring more than one hundred varieties of old and English roses which burst into bloom during the months of May and June. From here you pass through a gateway and along a palm lined pathway leading to the Sokrates Space. This is a unique underground exhibition housing works by various artists such as Miquel Barceló, Dolores Vita and Gerhard Merz. It combines both primitive art, including tribal masks from Africa, Tibet and Nepal alongside contemporary art, the centrepiece being a complete fossil skeleton of a Siberian Woolly Rhinoceros standing in front of a dramatic Swarovski curtain, seven meters wide and four meters high and made of ten thousand crystals!

Near the main entrance the NINS collection is located in the old underground ‘Aljibe’ or water reservoir which was transformed into a contemporary exhibition space in 1994. It now houses one of the most unique collections of its kind in Europe consisting of more than 150 portraits of children, dating from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries, which is not only fascinating but both poignant and amusing at times.

Once emerging back into the daylight follow the gravel pathways to continue exploring the peaceful grounds with various surprises, hidden corners and outdoor exhibits.

It’s a magical setting and a very pleasant way to escape the crowds and while away a couple of hours. Suitable for all the family from art aficionados, architecture buffs and gardeners to little ones who’ll love the freedom to run around the sculpture park with its monumental granite animals, some  inspired by legend and antiquity including a giant octopus from Norse mythology!

The outstanding feature of Sa Bassa Blanca is undoubtedly the Hispano Moresque building designed by Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy. Its rooms show contemporary art by African artists, illustrations by Domenico Gnoli and more than 50 photographic portraits of key    avant-garde artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

The house is only open to small groups when booked in advance, so to arrange a private tour or even arrive in style by helicopter, please contact our concierge who will be delighted to assist you make a memorable experience.

Follow this link for the latest museum hours and prices here

As it’s only 6km from Alcudia it’s a great place to combine with a visit to the historic old town where you can take a walk along the ramparts perhaps followed by a meal in one of our recommended restaurants. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to hit the beach then follow the locals and head to the nearby and lesser known beaches of Playa de Sant Pere and Playa de Sant Joan in the affluent little suburb of Mal Pas. Both come complete with turquoise waters and chiringuitos for a relaxed lunch.

We hope you’ve found this blog about one of Mallorca’s hidden places of interest and that it inspires you to make memorable experiences on our beautiful island as a result of our recommendations. We’re always pleased to hear from you, so do send us your feedback or personal recommendations here.

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