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CONCIERTO / 80 Aniversario de las Naciones Unidas & Cristóbal Gabarrón |
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Cover Photo: Rose Rongac. © Fundación Gabarrón. Ambit Ġgantija Archaeological Park. Xagħra | Gozo | Malta. October 2022 |
Dear readers,
Last Friday April 25th was a very special day for our foundation, museum, and family, as my father, the artist who gives us our name, Cristobal Gabarron, celebrated his 80th birthday.
Over the past few days, we have received countless expressions of affection and warm messages. To mark the occasion, we are launching this special newsletter, where we are pleased to share two heartfelt pieces: one by Ángel Carro, sent from Brussels, and another by Alberto Barciela, recently published across several media outlets where he collaborates as a journalist.
It was also special because House, the latest creation by our dear friend, the Israeli filmmaker Amos Gitai, premiered at the Teatros del Canal in Madrid — another bridge between art and life that we are proud to support through our foundation and museum.
Looking ahead, and coinciding with the International Museum Week in May, we are thrilled to announce a major retrospective exhibition, curated by Cristóbal Belda with the collaboration of Javier Pérez Segura, opening on May 15th at the Las Claras Cultural Center of the Cajamurcia Foundation and at our temporary galleries in Mula. Our deepest thanks to Mr. Carlos Egea and the Cajamurcia Foundation for their trust, support, and remarkable work.
On May 17th, the cloister of the Convent of San Francisco — home of the Mula City Museum — will host the world premiere of 'Gabarron's Portrait' tribute to Cristobal Gabarron', a piano concert by Manuel Tévar, which will later debut at the National Auditorium in Madrid in December 2025.
Meanwhile, Amsterdam is preparing to host the 2025 ARTZUID Sculpture Biennial, where Atlanta Star – An Olympic Forest, a monumental sculpture group create by Gabarron to commemorate the centennial of the Olympic Games held in Atlanta (USA) in 1996, will be exhibited at Stadionplein, by the 'Olympisch Stadion'. The Biennial, will be on view starting May 20, celebrating the 750th anniversary of the city under the theme Enlightenment. As curator Ralph Keuning aptly notes: “The liberal spirit of Amsterdam is a state of mind that makes the city a place of freedom, tolerance, and solidarity, as well as a fertile ground for new ideas.”
In this spirit of connecting worlds through art, We invite you to discover our latest Liaisons feature from #ConnectedMuseum. Each episode of Liaisons introduces voices from the global art scene — artists, curators, and museum directors who open new windows into different cultures. This time, we take you to the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, a masterpiece by architect I.M. Pei, where Director Shaika Nasser and Curator Dr. Mounia Chekhab Abudaya guide us through treasures that span thirteen centuries and three continents.
Finally, We are excited to share that on May 6 we launch a new chapter in our artist-in-residence program at the Wesenberg Sculpture Park near Berlin, thanks to our partnership with the Peter Wilmot Thompson Foundation.
In our next newsletter, we will share the activities planned to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Cristobal Gabarron Museum, a journey that has made us a meeting point for art, culture, and dialogue between tradition and the avant-garde.
Thank you for being part of our community. Warm regards,
Cris Gabarron Cabero
President of the Gabarron and Casa Pintada Foundations
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Collaborations: Birthday Tribute Special |
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Where art meets global responsibility |
Did you know artist Cristobal Gabarron was born on the historic day when delegates from 50 nations gathered to draft the United Nations Charter?
This serendipitous coincidence marked the beginning of an extraordinary bond between his work and the UN’s universal values.
Over the decades, Gabarron has transformed art into a powerful tool for promoting world peace, visualizing the Sustainable Development Goals, defending human rights, educating new generations, and more. From impressive commemorative works to innovative children's art contests, his career demonstrates how art can be an agent of global change.
Would you like to know all the details of this inspiring story? A fascinating narrative that every lover of art and diplomacy should know. Don't miss it!
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CELEBRATING 80 YEARS / Cristobal Gabarron's Legacy |
"Cristobal Gabarron celebrates his 80th birthday (April 25, 2025) at the peak of his creative and vital energy, now established as a universal artist of Murcian origin. His work, renowned for its unique aesthetic language and emotional depth, transcends borders—from his hometown of Mula to global stages like New York—supported by his tireless dedication and the Foundation now led by his sons.
Gabarron masterfully blends a life devoted to art (including initiatives like the international 'Ambit' encounters) with genuine humanity, valuing family, friendships, and meaningful dialogue. At 80, he remains a pioneering force in visual arts while retaining his characteristic humility and passion for sharing beauty."
This is an excerpt from journalist Alberto Barciela's April 21 article in El Faro de Vigo, which celebrates Gabarron as "a genius whose muses are constant work and everyday inspiration," noting that his true greatness lies equally in his artistic achievements and his human warmth. |
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February 2 I Gabarron Museum I Gallery 1 and 2 |
CLOSING / ‘Les dessins de Degas’ |
A fond farewell to 'Les Dessins de Degas' – an exhibition of extraordinary reception, which has enjoyed an extraordinary reception from the public. Over these past weeks, countless visitors have had the opportunity to delve into Edgar Degas' creative essence through Henri Rivière's exquisite engravings, discovering an intimate and revealing facet of the celebrated painter.
This exhibition has allowed us to appreciate Degas' meticulous technique and artistic sensitivity, highlighting the importance of drawing in his creative process and his influence on subsequent generations. The collection, carefully assembled and edited by Rivière, has served as an invaluable testament to the legacy of one of the great 19th-century masters.
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Susana Álvarez and Eduardo Chillida Belzunce at the Museum |
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February 5 I Gabarron Museum I Mula |
VISIT / Eduardo Chillida Belzunce |
We had the pleasure of welcoming Eduardo Chillida Belzunce and Susana Álvarez on a preparatory visit for for his upcoming exhibition at the museum. As the son of renowned sculptor Eduardo Chillida, Belzunce grew up immersed in art. From an early age, he demonstrated a profound interest in sculpture and painting, gradually developing his own distinctive style over the years.
His artistic journey has led him to work with materials such as stone, bronze, and terracotta—always with a deeply personal and sensitive approach to form and space. During his visit, we exchanged ideas and refined the details of his exhibition, which we are confident will be an essential cultural event.
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'Gravities' Opening exhibition, Gallery 1.
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Miguel Ángel Ruiz at the 'Gravities' featured video |
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February 15 I Gabarron Museum | Gallery 1-2 |
OPENING / 'Gravities', by Miguel Ángel Ruiz |
The Cristobal Gabarron Museum inaugurated 'GRAVITIES', the latest exhibition by artist Miguel Ángel Ruiz that merges urban art with traditional sculpture.
This thought-provoking show explores the inherent identity and rebellious spirit of urban art, transcending walls to materialize in sculptures rich with symbolism and meaning. 'GRAVITIES' creates a dialogue between graffiti's ephemeral nature and sculpture's enduring solidity—bridging past and present while examining how art can connect disparate eras and visual languages.
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L-R: Cristobal Gabarron, Eric Maskin |
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February 26 I Gabarron Museum | Mula |
Harvard Professor and 2007 Nobel Prize in Economics laureate Eric Maskin visited the Cristobal Gabarron Museum, strengthening his ties with our institution. Maskin—has collaborated on several cultural initiatives of the Gabarron Foundation, notably his participation in the fourth edition of 'Ambit' in New York (2022)—explored the museum's collections with keen interest.
During his visit, Maskin showed a deep interest in the work of the museum and, in particulary, in the artworks of Cristobal Gabarron, highlighting his ability to convey optimism and social cohesion through art, defining them as 'works full of necessary optimism'.
This visit reinforces the museum’s bridge between art and global academic thought—particularly in economics—fostering interdisciplinary dialogue. As Maskin observed, 'Art like Gabarron’s doesn’t just reflect society; it inspires and unites it.'
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The Artist and Dignitaries at the Inauguration of the Sculpture Honoring the Social Economy. |
'Alone We Are Invisible, Together We Are Invincible' featured in 4' |
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February 26 I Plaza Sto. Domingo | Murcia | Spain |
PUBLIC ART / 'Alone we are invisible, together we are invincible' |
The sculptural group 'Alone we are invisible, together we are invincible' by artist Cristobal Gabarron has been installed in Murcia's 'Plaza de Santo Domingo'. This powerful work stands as a symbol of unity and collective strength in a world often defined by division.
The inauguration ceremony brought together prominent local, regional, and national officials, including: Juan Antonio Pedreño, President of the Spanish Confederation of Social Economy Enterprises and Social Economy Europe; José Ballesta, Mayor of Murcia; Fernando López Miras, Regional President of Murcia; Yolanda Díaz, Spain's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labor and Social Economy.
This installation forms part of Murcia's 2025 celebrations as the Capital of Social Economy, highlighting the city's commitment to this progressive economic model. Through its striking visual language, Gabarron's work gives permanent form to the values of cooperation and solidarity that define the social economy movement.
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L-R: Javier Gómez Segura, Javier Pérez Segura, Juan García Sandoval, Noelia Ibáñez, Elena Ruiz Valderas, Aurora Rodriguez (Museum's coodinator), and Rodrigo Carreño. |
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March 14 I Gabarron Museum | Mula |
SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE / Presentation |
On the occasion of our 20th Anniversary, we proudly present the Museum's new scientific committee. This distinguished team of six leading experts in art history, museology, and cultural management will guide us in redefining strategies and addressing new challenges. The Committee will play a pivotal role in: Project evaluation and artistic direction; Curatorial program development; Research & education initiatives. Their collective expertise will contribute to the Museum's future programs.
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March 15 I Gabarron Museum | Mula |
SELECTED ARTISTS / 'Espacio La Bodega' |
Following a rigorous selection process conducted with the Cristobal Gabarron Museum's Scientific Committee, we are proud to announce the chosen projects for Espacio La Bodega. This edition sought innovative proposals deeply engaged with their context and demonstrating high potential for artistic development.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all the artists who submitted their work. The exceptional quality and creativity of the proposals made the selection process both inspiring and challenging. Many compelling projects not chosen this time will be considered for future editions and programming.
Selected Artists & Projects: ➡️ Arturo Yelo – 'Sonitus Lucis' ➡️ Catalina Catarsis – 'Luz y bodega' ➡️ Helena G. Pinar – 'Te mostraré el miedo en un puñado de polvo' ➡️ Irene Fresh – 'Everything is in the right place' ➡️ María Martínez (Moncayo) – 'Que me abrigue mi cuerpo mi tierra'
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Photo: 'La Verdad' newspaper |
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March 31 I Sala Estrella de Levante | Murcia |
REVEALING / 2025 'Bando de la Huerta' Poster / Murcia |
"The Awakening of Spring"—this is the title of Cristobal Gabarron's vibrant new artwork that will grace the official 2025 'Bando de la Huerta' poster, Murcia's iconic spring festival.
More than just a seasonal celebration, Gabarron's vision captures what he describes as "an eternal cycle of rebirth." As he explains: "Each year, Murcia reawakens with the blossoming of its fields, filling the air with the nectar and vitality that herald a fresh beginning."
The artwork promises to embody: • The fertility of Murcia's huerta (orchard) tradition • The joyful energy of the Bando festival • A timeless connection between land and community
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April 4 I Gabarron Museum | Mula |
PERFORMANCE / ‘Long-Distance Bridge’ |
"Long distance bridge" – Live art performance. Is a live art intervention by acclaimed performers Dómix Garrido and Willem Wilhelmus. Born from the convergence of two artists with distinguished careers in live art, this performance embraces simplicity and improvisation as its core principles. Through movement and raw presence, Garrido and Wilhelmus will construct a shared, transient space—inviting audiences to witness the unscripted dialogue between body, time, and environment.
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Video: 'Exaltación huertana' Gala, Romea Theater |
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April 19 I Romea Theater | Murcia | Spain |
'Perráneo of the Year 2025' Ceremony / Romea Theater |
Cristobal Gabarron was honored as "Perráneo of the Year 2025" by the Federation of 'Peñas Huertanas' during the 'Exaltación Huertana' Gala (April 19, Romea Theater). This prestigious distinction solidifies his role as a global ambassador of Murcian traditions. A multifaceted artist with international acclaim, Gabarron’s work uniquely blends humanist values with deep roots in Murcian culture, transforming local identity into universal art. The award celebrates his lifelong commitment to preserve and reinventing the region’s heritage through his creative vision.
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Amos Gitai, 2004 Gabarron International Performing Arts Award |
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April 25, 26 | Teatros del Canal | Madrid |
THEATER / Amos Gitai / 'Teatros del Canal', Madrid |
After decades of exploring the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through film and photography, acclaimed director Amos Gitai (Haifa, Israel, 1950) —recipient of the 2004 Gabarron International Performing Arts Award— brings his powerful theatrical production House to Spain. This ensemble piece spans 25 years of history through the lifes of inhabitants in a single West Jerusalem home, drawing inspiration from real testimonies Gitai collected for his seminal 1980 documentary of the same name.
This theater event in Madrid is organized in collaboration with the Casa Pintada Foundation and the Cristobal Gabarron Museum. |
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May 6 I Gabarron Museum Skulpturenpark | Wesenberg, Germany |
2025 LAUNCH / Artist-in-Residence Program / Wesenberg |
The Gabarron Museum Sculpture Park in Wesenberg inaugurates the second year of its Artist-in-Residence Program, an international open-air creative space where nature, art, and community converge in dialogue.
For the 2025 edition, selected proposals stood out for their conceptual rigor, sensitivity to natural and cultural environments, commitment to artistic innovation and exchange. The program will unfold in two sessions: May–June and September–October 2025.
2025 Residents:
➡️ Laramascoto Collective (Spain) ➡️ Cristina Álamo (Spain) ➡️ Shirley Au (China) ➡️ Solange Contreras (Chile) ➡️ Nacho Martín (Spain) ➡️ Nadir Figueroa (Colombia) ➕ Special Collaboration: ABSTRACTA abstract art program (Spain)
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May 15 & 16 I 'Las Claras' and The Gabarron Museum | Murcia |
RETROSPECTIVE / Cristobal Gabarron at 'Las Claras' & Cristobal Gabarron Museum |
During International Museum Week in mid-May, we have been working for the last three years on an anthological exhibition curated by Cristóbal Belda, with the collaboration of Javier Pérez Segura, which will open on May 15 at Las Claras Cultural Center of the Cajamurcia Foundation and in the temporary exhibition galleries of our museum in Mula. Our deepest gratitude goes to Mr. Carlos Egea and the Cajamurcia Foundation for their trust, support, and extraordinary work.
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May 17 I Convento San Francisco | Mula | Murcia |
TRIBUTE CONCERT / 80th Anniversaries of the UN & Cristobal Gabarron |
Pianist Manuel Tévar unveils his forthcoming album Gabarron’s Portrait—recorded at Vienna’s prestigious Wiener Konzerthaus—celebrating two landmark 80th anniversaries: The United Nations & Artist Cristobal Gabarron’s birth.
The album’s centerpiece, "Hope for Peace", serves as both its finale and the inspiration for a broader musical program. Tévar’s compositions reflect Gabarron’s artistic journey and lifelong advocacy for human rights, translating visual narratives into symphonic language.
Live Premiere: As part of International Museum Week, this unique fusion of music, art, and social commitment will debut at San Francisco Convent (Mula, Murcia), where Tévar’s piano will converse with Gabarron’s humanitarian legacy.
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"Atlanta Star" Installation – 1996 Atlanta Olympics, USA |
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May 20 I Amsterdam | The Netherlands |
2025 SCULPTURE BIENNIAL / ArtZuid Opening / Amsterdam |
Cristobal Gabarron joins the ArtZuid Biennial in Amsterdam as a distinguished guest artist, curated by Ralph Keuning. For this edition, Gabarron will showcase his iconic Centennial Olympic Sculpture Group—originally created for the 1996 Atlanta Games—featuring 26 monumental sculptures (4-8 meters tall). These works will be installed near Amsterdam’s Olympic Stadium, engaging in dialogue with other international artists.
Cristobal Gabarron and Jaume Plensa are the Spanish representatives among 70+ global artists, including others such as Tony Cragg, Yoshitomo Nara, Magdalena Abakanowicz, and Neo Rauch.
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The Cristobal Gabarron Museum is not restricted to the walls of its headquarters in Mula; like the artist whose name it bear, it is characterized by its nomadic spirit. The dissemination of our work extends beyond geographical boundaries, reaching different parts of our planet. |
LIASONS | Museum of Islamic Art | Doha, Qatar |
The LIASONS section of our #ConnectedMuseum initiative seeks to bridge connections with the global art world by engaging its true protagonists—artists, critics, curators, museum directors, and biennale leaders—who guide us in discovering diverse artistic expressions and perspectives.
Latest Episode: We travel to the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha. In our newest Liaisons feature, the Cristobal Gabarron Museum takes you to the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, an architectural marvel designed by I.M. Pei., Director Shaika Nasser introduces the museum’s extraordinary collection, spanning 13 centuries across three continents, Dr. Mounia Chekhab Abudaya, Curator at Qatar Museums, highlights the famed "Doha Hand" and rare treasures from Al-Andalus.
This museum embodies Qatar’s cultural transformation—from a pearl-fishing village to a global arts hub—where Eastern and Western traditions converge. Its collections preserve Islamic artistic heritage through illuminated manuscripts, exquisite ceramics & textiles, and historic scientific instruments.
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ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE (May-June) at the Gabarron Museum Skulpturenpark in Wesenberg | Germany |
As we open the new call for our Wesenberg Artist Residency, we proudly present the selected artists for the first 2025 session (May–June). Chosen for their conceptual depth, connection to nature and culture, and commitment to artistic innovation, this year’s residents include:
Nacho Martín (Madrid, 1994) Project: "A Salt Lagoon Never Burns" Exploring the interplay between inner and outer landscapes, Martín merges the spiritual and political through a highly symbolic visual language. His work questions permanence and transformation in both personal and collective memory.
Cristina Álamo (Burgos, 1975) Project: "Reperceive and Un-Saturate" Using textiles and organic materials, Álamo crafts immersive installations that reconnect viewers with nature, offering a meditative counterpoint to modern life’s chaos.
Special Collaboration: ABSTRACTA (Murcia) The abstract art initiative Blanco Diáfano presents an exclusive residency opportunity focused on "Composition", supporting emerging artists in redefining abstraction within natural surroundings.
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CONNECTED MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS |
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The Pilgrim Museum, proposed by artist Cristobal Gabarron, seeks to extend the reach of the Cristobal Gabarron Museum in Mula, expanding our collection beyond the museum's confines to various locations. In this signature nomadic approach, Gabarron's work transcends geographical boundaries.
The Pilgrim Museum features 25 sculptures in its open-air park, complemented by a selection of paintings exhibited in the galleries of its art cent.
Located 100 kilometers north of Berlin, the Skulpturenpark Wesenberg museum offers a scenic setting.
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Gabarron Museum / Skulpturenpark Wesenberg |
'Tao' Sculpture group installation. Cristobal Gabarron, Wesenberg (Germany). Photography: Rose Rongac |
This museum arises from a collaboration agreement between the Cristobal Gabarron Museum and Skulpture Park Wesenberg in Germany, the latter run under the Peter Wilmot Thompson Foundation since its establishment in Berlin in 2014 (Germany).It serves as an exhibition venue for a diverse lineup of over 30 international artists, including notable names such as Cornelia Nagel, Dr. Mig Dann, Johann Carrera, Fré Ilgen, Nunan Cartwright, Michael Cartwright, Jacob Cartwright, Solial Cartwright, Chen Xin, Zhao Hai Tian, Gevorg Tadevosyan, Wulfried Hengstenberg.
This agreement, signed in 2023, establishes the extension of the Cristobal Gabarron Museum of Mula that adheres as an enclave for the development of Artistic Residencies of the Gabarron Museum within the Skulpture Park Wesenberg. This initiative builds upon the installation of Cristobal Gabarron's 'Pilgrim Museum' project in Germany.
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Each month you will find in this section a work, curiosity or biographical information that will allow you to better understand and comprehend the life and work of Cristobal Gabarron. |
Series 'Together we are stronger' / Mixed media on paper
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🖼️'Together we are stronger 2' (2020–2024) Mixed media: inks and charcoal on kraft paper, 120 × 90 cm
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Series ‘Together we are stronger’
In this milestone year for the Cristobal Gabarron Museum, we launch our #WorkOfTheMonth feature with a selection from Gabarron’s recent series “Together we are stronger”—a profound visual dialogue with his eponymous sculpture in Murcia’s 'Plaza de Santo Domingo'.
Through stripped-down, evocative imagery, Gabarron invites us to reflect on unity, diversity, and collective strength. His schematic, interlocking figures set against stark backgrounds deliver a powerful message: true community lies in plurality.
Artist's Statement: “Together we are stronger* is a bold series celebrating diversity and solidarity. Using a restrained palette and dynamic, minimalist compositions, it depicts interconnected figures supporting one another [...] This body of work is a call to action—a reminder that unity and empathy are essential in building a fairer, more equal world.” — Cristobal Gabarron.
Starting this May, this series will anchor a special 20th-anniversary exhibition at the museum, offering an intimate look at one of the artist’s most resonant recent projects. |
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We value your input! Subscribers are encouraged to share their opinions, questions, and contributions with us. Write to museo@gabarron.org.
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Susana Álvarez and Eduardo Chillida Belzunce | artist |
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During their visit to the museum, we sat down with Susana Álvarez and Eduardo Chillida Belzunce to hear their impressions of the collection. The couple’s infectious humor and warmth brightened the galleries—watch the video to discover their favorite artworks and personal reflections on Gabarron’s legacy.
A heartfelt thank you to Susana Álvarez and Eduardo Chillida Belzunce for sharing their joyful perspective with us. |
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In this section we share with you a selection of the latest news related to the activity of our museum and the work of Cristobal Gabarron in our current newsletter. |
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VISIT MULA COME TO ENJOY ART CRISTOBAL GABARRON MUSEUM |
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Opening hours:
Tuesday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Open for groups and school groups by appointment
General admission:
Fridays: 10 to 14 h. and 17 to 20 h.
Saturdays: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sundays and holidays: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Guided tours are also offered during opening hours to the general public. For this, it is recommended to make a reservation for the groups that wish to do so by writing to the following e-mail: museo@gabarron.org
Museo Cristóbal Gabarrón - Fundación Casa Pintada
tel. +34 968.66.15.51 C/ San Francisco, 14 - 30170 - Mula (Murcia),Spain |
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