Museo Municipal Josep Aragay

Museo Municipal Josep Aragay is a small municipal museum in Breda, a Catalan town in the La Selva district of Girona province, dedicated to the painter and Noucentisme theorist Josep Aragay.

What is this place?

The museum occupies the former parish church of Santa Maria de Breda, a building that dates back to the 12th century. Even though its function has changed, the structure still keeps striking pieces of its original Romanesque architecture, including the apse and transept. That mix of an old stone sanctuary and a 20th-century art collection makes for an unusual visit — you view Aragay's work inside a space that is itself a historic monument.

The institution was created in 1974, a year after the artist's death, on the initiative of a local heritage association in Breda. The collection grew over time through family donations, including pieces given by the painter's widow and his niece, which helped assemble a set of works covering several stages and techniques of his career.

Who was Josep Aragay?

Josep Aragay i Blanchar was born in Barcelona and died in Breda, the town he was closely tied to during his later years. He worked as a painter but was also one of the key theorists behind Noucentisme, the Catalan artistic movement that sought a balance between classical tradition and modern sensibility. Inside the museum you'll find not just paintings but also drawings, etchings, and ceramic pieces, which together illustrate how varied his output really was.

What will you see inside?

The exhibition is organized around four main areas: painting, ceramics, drawing, and printmaking. The layout lets visitors trace the evolution of the artist's technique, from early sketches and studies through to finished compositions. Look out for the original church architecture woven into the visit itself — stone arches and vaulted ceilings form a natural backdrop to the artwork on display.

How do you get there, and when should you visit?

The museum sits right in the centre of Breda, at Carrer Nou 2, so it's an easy walk from anywhere in town. Breda lies close to the main routes connecting Girona and Barcelona, making it a convenient stop for anyone travelling through the La Selva area. Given the compact size of the collection, a visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, which pairs well with a short stroll through the old town, also known locally for its pottery-making tradition.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the museum located? In the centre of Breda, Girona province, at Carrer Nou 2 — inside the former church of Santa Maria de Breda.

Who was Josep Aragay? A Catalan painter and art theorist linked to the Noucentisme movement, born in Barcelona and who died in Breda in 1973.

What can you see inside the museum? A collection of Aragay's paintings, ceramics, drawings, and etchings, displayed inside a space that still preserves elements of medieval church architecture.

How long does a visit take? Because the exhibition is compact, 30 to 60 minutes is usually enough, leaving time to explore the rest of Breda afterwards.