Jerez de la Frontera, in southern Spain, is home to some great art galleries. Housed in everything from beautiful, old wineries to former fish markets, they display works by classic Spanish artists and leading contemporary figures. Read on for the top galleries to visit in this charming Andalusian city.
Located in the heart of Jerez, this beautiful Neoclassical building was built in 1979 as a fish market. Following an exquisite restoration, it was re-opened in 1994 as an exhibition space dedicated to leading contemporary artists. Admire their works as you wander between the interior’s elegant columns and archways.
Not only is Bodegas Tradición one of the best wineries in Jerez, it also houses one of southern Spain’s most important private art collections. The Colección Joaquín Rivero is named after the bodega’s founder and consists of more than 300 works by Spanish artists from the 15th to the 20th century, including Velázquez and Goya.
Bodegas Grupo Estévez is another leading sherry producer that also boasts a world-class art collection. Displayed on the mezzanine floor of its spectacular banqueting hall is The Vollard Suite by Picasso, considered one of the most important etching collections in the world. There are also notable paintings by Fernando Botero, Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró.
Temporary art exhibitions by historical and contemporary artists are held in the Villavicencio Palace in the Alcázar complex. This elegant building is of interest in itself: constructed in 1664 as a residence for the city’s mayor, it also houses beautiful furniture, fittings and artefacts from the 18th-century Municipal Pharmacy.
Also part of the magnificent Alcázar complex, the Sala del Molino houses an old olive oil press, which alone is well worth seeing. This small space is also used for photography exhibitions, especially with works by contemporary – and often local – photographers. Check in while visiting the Alcázar to see what’s on.
You can take in both history and art on a visit to the Julián Cuadra exhibition room, as it’s located in the Archaeological Museum in the city centre. This light-filled and well-arranged space displays decorative art and photography exploring local customs and history. A must-visit for anyone wanting to know more about Jerez.
This intriguing museum and gallery explores the centuries-old art with which Jerez is most associated – aside from the art of producing fortified wines, that is. A series of multimedia exhibits and engaging interactive installations explore all aspects of Andalusian horsemanship and its importance to the culture of Jerez.