Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Mayte Spínola

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Mayte Spínola is a small yet surprisingly substantial contemporary art museum in Marmolejo, a town in the province of Jaén, Andalusia. For travelers exploring the quieter corners of Jaén, it offers a rare chance to see a sizeable collection of 20th- and 21st-century painting and sculpture without heading to a major city.

How did this museum come to exist?

The museum was created on the initiative of Mayte Spínola, a painter and arts patron who leads the Grupo pro Arte y Cultura, a collective of artists closely tied to the institution. Her own donations, together with works handed over by other artists from that circle, made the museum possible in the first place. It opened its doors in 2004 at the Casa de Cultura in Marmolejo, a building that was not originally designed for art exhibitions.

Why did the museum move to a new building?

In 2010 the collection moved into a purpose-built structure raised in the courtyard of a former olive oil mill known as the Casa del médico Perales. The new premises span two floors and roughly 850 square meters — considerably more space than the original venue, which allowed a larger part of the permanent collection to go on display alongside room for temporary exhibitions.

What is actually on display?

The collection holds more than 300 works of painting and sculpture by Spanish and international artists, spanning various trends from the second half of the 20th century through the early 21st century. The permanent display also includes paintings by Mayte Spínola herself and items commemorating her role as an arts patron. Worth noting for anyone planning a cultural route through Jaén: this is the only museum of its kind in the entire province, making it a practically unrivaled stop for contemporary art in the region.

Who runs the museum?

The institution is overseen by a board chaired by the Mayor of Marmolejo. Its members include figures well known in Spanish cultural life: writer Carmen Posadas, historian Carmen Iglesias, businesswoman Alicia Koplowitz, and art collector Carmen Cervera, Baroness Thyssen. That lineup signals how much weight this modest institution carries at a national level, despite sitting well off the usual tourist trail.

When and how can you visit?

The museum opens on Friday afternoons, from 5 to 7 pm. Outside those hours, guided visits can be arranged by contacting the museum in advance by phone or email. During the summer months, only pre-booked guided visits are available, so it is worth planning ahead if your trip falls in that season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the museum located? In Marmolejo, a town in the province of Jaén, Andalusia, inside a building built in the courtyard of a former olive oil mill known as the Casa del médico Perales.

How many works are in the collection? More than 300 pieces of painting and sculpture, by Spanish and international artists working from the second half of the 20th century into the early 21st century.

Do I need to book a visit in advance? Not during regular opening hours (Friday afternoons), but visits outside those hours, and all summer visits, require advance contact by phone or email to arrange a guided tour.

What sets this museum apart from others in the region? It is the only contemporary art museum in the entire province of Jaén, making it a unique destination for anyone interested in modern art in this part of Andalusia.