The Mater Museum reveals the medieval beauty of Barcelona
The building has a central courtyard that connects three distinct structures. Stone arches, ceramic vaults and a large segmental arch of stone voussoirs with a concave moulding, adorned with sculpted figures of angels with shields, are just some of the elements that make this medieval building unique.
This impressive museum project has been directed by Valentina Asinari di San Marzano, architect and owner of the building. According to Asinari, the idea to create Mater came from her personal experience as the occupant of the house.
The house had enough space to live in, and this notion inspired the creation of a museum that would share the historical and cultural treasure they had found with others.
Exhibitions and contemporary art
Mater aims to organise two exhibitions a year, focusing on contemporary themes related to Barcelona and the world. This shows that Mater also seeks to connect with current trends.
Mater’s inaugural exhibition, entitled “Ultralocal”, is a tribute to the contemporary art and artistic creativity of the 1970s and 1980s in Barcelona. The exhibition includes works by renowned artists such as Miquel Barceló, Ocaña, Miralda, Robert Llimós, Francesc Artigau and Sergi Aguilar, among others.
What makes “Ultralocal” even more special is its connection to the neighbourhood of Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera. Thanks to the collaboration of local artists, gallery owners and collectors, the exhibition showcases the art that emerged in this vibrant neighbourhood in the last decades of the 20th century.
