Fundació Stämpfli

Fundació Stämpfli is a compact contemporary art museum right in the heart of Sitges, the Catalan seaside town on the Costa Daurada. It occupies the town's former fish market building on Plaça de l'Ajuntament, steps away from the town hall and the old town's beaches.

Where does the collection come from?

The foundation was set up in 2006 by the married couple Peter (Pere) and Anna Maria Stämpfli. Peter Stämpfli, a Swiss painter associated with the pop art movement, spent decades building a personal collection together with his wife before deciding to donate it to Sitges, a town the family had long-standing ties to. The museum opened its doors to the public on 30 January 2011. An advisory board oversees the collection's curatorial direction, including Serge Lemoine, former director of the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.

What is on display?

The permanent collection numbers close to 60 works by around 90 artists from 22 countries — paintings, prints and installations donated directly by the artists, their heirs, or galleries. Together the pieces span nearly fifty years of contemporary art, ranging from narrative figurative painting to experiments with geometric and digital form. A few of the rooms are dedicated entirely to Peter Stämpfli's own work, tracing how his style evolved across different creative periods, from his signature motifs inspired by car tyres to later, more abstract pieces. The remaining rooms rotate a selection from the broader collection under changing thematic arrangements.

How do you get there?

Fundació Stämpfli sits right in the old town, so walking is the easiest way to reach it — it's roughly a fifteen-minute stroll from Sitges train station through the narrow streets of the historic centre. Plaça de l'Ajuntament, where the museum stands, is just off the seafront promenade and close to other sights, so a visit pairs easily with a stop at the church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla or a walk along the nearby beaches.

When is the best time to visit?

Sitges is pleasant almost year-round, but spring and autumn tend to offer the calmest conditions for museum visits — smaller crowds than in peak summer and mild enough weather for wandering the old town on foot. In summer the town gets busy with beachgoers, so it's worth planning a visit for the cooler parts of the day if you're travelling in July or August. Opening hours and ticket prices can shift seasonally, so it's best to check the foundation's own website or the local tourist information office before visiting.

Frequently asked questions

What makes Fundació Stämpfli different from other museums in Sitges? It's the only venue in town dedicated entirely to contemporary art and built around one artist-collector's personal collection, which gives it a more intimate feel than larger regional museums.

Do I need to book tickets in advance? During peak season it's worth checking availability online, especially for guided visits, since the foundation organizes dedicated group tours.

How long does a visit take? Given the compact size of the building — just a handful of rooms — a visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your pace and interest in contemporary art.

Is it worth visiting if I'm not particularly into contemporary art? Even if pop art and abstract work aren't your usual pick, the old fish market building itself and its setting on a charming square in the historic centre make it a worthwhile short stop while exploring Sitges.