Soller: Trains, Modernism and Art

the beautiful town of Soller

The island of Mallorca can now boast yet another museum of modern art, and this one is the beautiful town of Soller, nestling in the spectacular Tramuntana mountains.

Like a mini Barcelona, Soller is famous for its 'Modernist' buildings dating back to the early 20th century and of course, the railway, constructed around the same time linking it to Palma.

One of these modernist buildings, Can Prunera in Calle de sa Lluna, has now been turned into a museum of modern art by the Fundació Tren de l’Art (part of the Soller Railway company) and the town council backed by funds from the Balearic Government and EU.

If you've ever been on the train you'll know that coach houses at Palma station have been converted into exhibition halls and that the wonderfully restored Soller station has exhibitions of works by Picasso and Miro.

Can Prunera (Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10.30 to 18.30) has a permanent exhibition of modernist art from all over the world and will have temporary exhibitions throughout the year. It's elegant gardens will also have concerts and other cultural events.

It's worth paying a visit just to admire the architecture of the building which gives an indication of the wealth and importance of Soller when the house was built from 1909 to 1911.

Published 26 August 2009 Stephen White.