Cultural family activity in Alcúdia
The art museum created by Yannick and Ben Jakober, is one of the most impressive and unique exhibition halls in Mallorca. One of the things that makes this place so special, is the location of the art museum. It is situated in an old palace, a finca known by the name of Sa Bassa Blanca, overlooking the beautiful bay and habour of Alcúdia and Port d’Alcúdia from its location on the slopes of Alcanada.
Yannick and Ben Jakober both fell in love with Mallorca back in the 1960’s, however, the art museum was not established until 1993. Yannick Vu, daughter of Vietnamese impressionist, Vu Cao Dam, have exhibited her paintings and sculptures at some of the major galleries in New York and Paris. She traveled to to Mallorca in 1963 with her husband at that time, Italian painter Domenico Gnoli, and fell in love with the island.
Gnoli died in 1970, just 36 years old. Yannick Vu got re-married to her current husband, Austrian sculptor Ben Jakober.
Since 1992, the two have been signing their works under their common name.
Sa Bassa Blanca
Sa Bassa Blanca was designed by Egyptian architect, Hassan Fathy (1900-1989), who had never before designed a construction in western Europe. He refered to Sa Bassa Blanca as a “ribat”, which in Arabic means a fortified building.
What makes Sa Bassa Blanca special, is the usage of various stylistics gathered from Andalusia, Basque country and Morocco. Elements such as arches, tiled floors, displaced terraces and wooden shreds are some of the things that makes this building unique.
You do not need to be an architecture-nerd to appreciate this masterpiece, or its breathtaking views of Alcúdia and Alcanada.
Highlights of the exhibitions
SoKraTES, is the former underground water reservoir of the building, but now an exhibition hall. The theme of the hall and the exhibitions here, reflects Eistein’s equation of the relativity of time and space.
SoKraTES also gathers various artists, among these, Mallorcan Miquel Barceló who is the man behind the new chapel of the Palma cathedral La Seu.
Els Nins, is another famous and spectacular collection in the museum. Els Nins (the children), is a collection of portrait paintings of children of nobel and royal families, mainly from the 16th and 19th century. The collection contains more than 150 works, by various European artists, a collection started nearly 40 years ago with Joan Mestre i Boschs’ portrait of a girl with cherries in her hand.
The library contains more than 7,000 works about art, photography, painting, architecture sculpturing and design. Yannick and Ben Jakober have made the collection electronically available to all students of the Balearic islands, in order to increase and enhance the interest of art.
The gardens of Sa Bassa Blanca, cannot be missed! Hundreds of beautiful flowers and plants enhances the scenic atmosphere of this little garden of Eden. Especially the rose garden of English roses, a so called “Hortus conclusus”, will stimulate your every sense and leave you with a feeling of joy and serenity.
Yannick and Ben also exhibits their collection of animal sculptures in these gardens, sculptures of prehistoric animals which occupies a big room in their hearts.
Get directions to Sa Bassa Blanca in Alcúdia
Alcúdia is one of the most historical places in all of Mallorca, yet one of the most modern and popular destinations. Alcúdia is for everyone; romantic couples, groups, families, beach lovers, walkers, cyclists etc., it’s an area of great diversity and many offers.
Alcudia things to do, hotels, market, beaches
More Points of Interest in Alcúdia
Pol-lentia ruins of Roman city
Albufera nature reserve and wetlands
The beautiful hermitage Ermita de Victoria
Medieval oratory of Santa Anna
Penya des Migdia ancient military base and lookout
Sa Talaia de Victoria ancient lookout
Coll Baix nature reserve and unspoiled beach
Discover the beautiful Raiguer region
Alcanada things to do, beach and hotels
Alaro things to do, hotel, market
Biniamar things to do and places to stay
Binissalem things to do, hotels, market
Buger things to do, market, places to stay
Caimari things to do and see, market, and places to stay
Campanet things to do, caves, market, hotels
Inca things to do, sightseeing, market, hotels
Lloseta points of interest, market, hotel
More museums and exhibitions to visit in Mallorca
Mallorca's Top sightseeing attractions
Palma Cathedral
Palma cathedral La Seu is an amazing sight, both from the inside and outside. Palma cathedral is one of the biggest in Europe, and great artists like Gaudi have worked on the amazing temple. There are guided tours and you can even visit the rooftop terraces offering magical views.
The Antique Train
The antique train is a great attraction for young and adults. The ride takes you through some of the most beautiful areas of the Tramuntana, passing through orange plantations, olive groves and green valleys. The authentic feeling of the old marhogany cars bumping along the rails completes the experience.
Castell de Bellver
Castell de Bellver is a unique castle, due to its round shape and splendid location on a hilltop above Palma's bay. Much of Mallorca's most dramatic times are linked to the Bellver castle, and you will also find Palma's historical museum here. It's a great attraction for all ages.
Cuevas del Drach
Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves) is a great attraction to visit for all ages. Inside the stalagmite and stalactite caves in Porto Cristo, you will meet a true wonder of nature, along with the biggest underground lake in Europe on which an orchester will play a beautiful live concert on before you can enjoy a short ride.
Santuari de Lluc
Santuari de Lluc is a monastery situated deep in the highest areas of the Tramuntana, in divine natural surroundings. Lluc is a great attraction for everyone, you can discover the ethnological museum, enjoy a concert by the famous child choir, visit the botanical gardens and see the holy Madonna.
La Granja
A visit to the ethnological museum of La Granja in the mountain village of Esporles takes you on an interesting journey back in time to discover how life in mallorca was for the wealthy landowners and their servants. La Granja is a museum suitable for all ages, there is plenty to see and do here for young and adults.
Sa Dragonera
Sa Dragonera is an island and protected nature reserve just off the coast of Sant Elm, Andratx. Sa Dragonera is home to indigenious lizards that are very human-friendly, and has become a trademark of Mallorca. About on the beautiful island, you can walk along multiple trails to some of the most amazing vantage points and find ancient watchtowers from the time of pirates.
Almudaina Palace
The royal Almudaina Palace is closely linked to multiple epochs in the history of Mallorca. The ancient palace was built as the seat for the Moorish governor back in the 10th century, and was the first building in the city of Palma as we know it today. Inside you will discover an impressive collection of ancient artifacts and artworks, along with the authentic surroundings of the palace that is now used by the royalties of Spain when visiting the island.