The Valencia City Museum has temporarily closed its facilities to prepare for the reception of works by Sorolla from the Hispanic Society of America. This exhibition, initially planned for the Communications Palace, is being moved to the municipal museum due to delays in its setup, becoming an unexpected venue for a project that will span several years.
Additionally, it has been announced that the Palacio de Montortal will become the museum's second venue. This new location will focus on artistic pieces ranging from the Renaissance to the 19th century. The project will require the space's adaptation and the hiring of a new museological plan, which will complement the one already commissioned to the company Marte Art Advisors for the main venue.
The development of the City Museum across these two venues is a medium to long-term project. Meanwhile, the municipal collection, which includes works by Sorolla, Benlliure, Carmen Calvo, Pinazo, or Michavila, faces an uncertain future. Socialist councilor Maite Ibáñez has submitted a motion to be debated next Tuesday in the Commission of Social Welfare, Education, Culture, and Sports regarding the fate of these funds.
The motion points out that the decision to use the building for the Sorolla exhibition means halting the museological plan and storing the currently displayed pieces, such as 16th and 17th-century religious paintings or private donations, in warehouses for months. The PSOE-PSPV proposes that the Municipal Exhibition Hall of the Valencia City Council function as an alternative museum, showcasing the municipal collections through temporary exhibitions and complementary activities like talks and conferences.
“"Improvisation and lack of planning have forced the presentation of the Hispanic's Sorolla works at the City Museum. In return, the entire collection, recently on display, will be stored for several years. This will be a detriment to the Valencian public who will not be able to enjoy their heritage."
Ibáñez considers the announcement of the second venue an "unplanned whim" and emphasizes the importance of keeping the municipal artistic heritage accessible for citizens' enjoyment.
