Vostell Malpartida Museum
Extremadura
The Vostell Malpartida Museum, located in the natural reserve Los Barruecos near Malpartida de Cáceres, Spain, is dedicated to the work of German-Spanish artist Wolf Vostell, a pioneer of Fluxus, Happening art, and video installation. Founded in 1976 by Wolf and Mercedes Vostell, it occupies a historic 18th-century wool washhouse and its surrounding landscape, integrating art with nature. The museum houses permanent collections including Vostell's own works, such as the monumental sculptures "VOAEX" and "The Dead Who Is Thirsty," as well as a significant Fluxus art collection donated by Italian collector Gino Di Maggio. Its outdoor sculpture park uniquely situates avant-garde art within the dramatic granite and water formations of Los Barruecos. The museum also includes conceptual art exhibitions and an archive serving researchers and art enthusiasts. It is recognized for its innovative integration of art, history, and environment, and has received Spain's Gold Medal of Merit in Fine Arts. The museum continues under the artistic direction of Levin Vostell and general director José Antonio Agúndez García, maintaining its legacy as a meeting point of art, life, and nature.
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Tip: Visit during spring or autumn for pleasant weather and to enjoy the outdoor sculptures in Los Barruecos. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for special exhibitions. The museum offers discounts for students and groups. Take time to explore both the indoor galleries and the natural sculpture park for a full experience.
Interesting facts
- •The museum is located in Los Barruecos, a natural reserve declared an 'artwork of nature' by Wolf Vostell.
- •Wolf Vostell pioneered the European Happening movement and was a co-founder of Fluxus.
- •The sculpture "VOAEX" was created by encasing a 1970 Opel Admiral car in concrete, symbolizing a journey through Extremadura.
- •The museum's outdoor sculptures integrate with the unique granite and water landscape of Los Barruecos.
- •In 2018, the Spanish government awarded the museum the Gold Medal of Merit in Fine Arts.
- •The museum houses the Fluxus art collection donated by Italian collector Gino Di Maggio, featuring works by 48 artists from Spain, Portugal, and Poland.
History
The museum was established in 1976 when Wolf Vostell created the concrete-encased car sculpture "VOAEX" at Los Barruecos, marking the foundation of the museum.
Originally housed in an 18th-century wool washhouse, the site was renovated by the Extremadura government in 1994.
After Wolf Vostell's death in 1998, Mercedes Vostell became artistic director until her passing in 2023, succeeded by Levin Vostell.
The Vostell archive was acquired by the state in 2005, enriching the museum's resources.
The museum has grown to include permanent collections, temporary exhibitions, and an outdoor sculpture park, becoming a significant cultural institution in Spain.
Place Guide
VOAEX Sculpture1976
Created in 1976, this iconic outdoor sculpture by Wolf Vostell features a black 1970 Opel Admiral car encased in concrete, symbolizing a concrete journey through Upper Extremadura. It marks the founding artwork of the museum.
The Dead Who Is Thirsty (El Muerto que tiene Sed)1978
A 1978 outdoor sculpture by Wolf Vostell, continuing his exploration of concrete and found objects within the natural environment of Los Barruecos.
Museum Building - 18th Century Wool Washhouse18th century
The main museum building was originally an 18th-century wool washhouse where migratory sheep herds were washed. It has been restored to house the museum's galleries and archive.
Wolf and Mercedes Vostell Collection
Permanent collection showcasing key works by Wolf and Mercedes Vostell, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces that embody Fluxus and Happening art.
Contact
Phone: 927 01 08 12
