Museo Palau Solterra

Museo Palau Solterra is a contemporary photography museum in Torroella de Montgrí, a small inland town on Spain's Costa Brava in the province of Girona. It occupies a 15th-century palace that once served as the residence of the counts of Torroella de Montgrí, and today it's run by the Fundació Vila Casas.

What will you see inside?

The permanent collection holds close to 200 photographs by Spanish and international artists. Names on display include Chema Madoz, Alberto García-Álix, Toni Catany, Otto Lloyd, Xavier Miserachs, Ouka Leele and Frank Horvat. The works span different strands of 20th- and 21st-century art photography, from portraiture and photojournalism to more conceptual pieces. On top of the permanent display, the museum runs temporary exhibitions throughout the year, so it's worth checking the current programme before visiting.

What's the building itself like?

Palau Solterra is a fine example of civil Gothic architecture, adapted for exhibition use while keeping its historic character intact. The stone walls, interior courtyard and vaulted ceilings of the 15th-century residence create an unusual backdrop for contemporary photography — the contrast between old architecture and modern images is part of what makes a visit memorable. It turns a museum stop into something that mixes art with a bit of local history.

Does the museum host anything beyond exhibitions?

Yes. Alongside its shows, the Fundació Vila Casas organizes a series of talks and lectures on history and the humanities at Palau Solterra. This rounds out the offering and draws not only photography enthusiasts but also people interested in the local history and culture of the Costa Brava.

How do you get there and what should you expect?

The museum sits right in the centre of Torroella de Montgrí, an easy drive from Girona or from coastal towns like L'Estartit. It's worth booking ahead, especially for groups — guided visits are available by prior reservation, arranged by phone or email through the foundation. A self-guided visit usually takes around an hour, though it's worth allowing extra time to take in both the collection and the building itself.

When is the best time to visit?

Torroella de Montgrí and nearby L'Estartit are busiest in summer, but the museum stays open year-round, which makes it a solid option outside peak season too, when the town is quieter and parking near the centre is easier to find. Temporary exhibitions can be a good reason to time a visit around a specific month, so checking the Fundació Vila Casas calendar in advance is worthwhile.

Frequently asked questions

What is Palau Solterra? It's a contemporary photography museum run by the Fundació Vila Casas, housed in a 15th-century palace in the centre of Torroella de Montgrí.

Which artists are featured? The permanent collection includes works by Chema Madoz, Alberto García-Álix, Toni Catany, Xavier Miserachs and Ouka Leele, alongside international photographers such as Frank Horvat.

Do you need to book in advance? Self-guided visits are open during regular hours, while guided tours require advance booking by phone or email with the Fundació Vila Casas.

How long does a visit take? Around 45 to 60 minutes is typical, though photography enthusiasts may want to linger longer, especially if a temporary exhibition is running.