With this award, the region strengthens its status as a cultural benchmark and a model for merging heritage and contemporary art
The Balearic Islands were awarded the Best Idea prize at the 6th Art and Business Awards by Ars Magazine for the successful transformation of La Lonja of Palma into a space dedicated to contemporary art exhibitions. The ceremony took place at the National Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid.
The award recognises the regional government’s initiative to recover and repurpose this historic Gothic building, originally constructed as a merchants’ hall, into a vibrant cultural hub that bridges tradition and modern artistic expression.
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Balearic Islands Honored at Thyssen Museum for Revitalizing La Lonja as a Cultural Exhibition Space
“This heritage site was reopened nearly two years ago to bring culture closer to the people—an image we want to share of the Balearic Islands,” said a representative of the regional government during the award presentation.
The accolade confirms the Balearic Islands’ commitment to revitalising landmark heritage sites and using them as platforms for artistic dialogue, innovation, and public engagement.
The ceremony was attended by the Secretary of Culture and Sports, Pedro Vidal; the Mayor of Palma, Jaime Martínez; the First Deputy Mayor and Councilor for Tourism, Culture, and Sports, Javier Bonet; the Managing Director of the Thyssen Museum, Evelio Acevedo; and the Director of Ars Magazine, Fernando Rayón, alongside prominent figures from the art, culture, and business sectors.
La Lonja: From Commercial Hub to Cultural Beacon
Built between 1426 and 1447 as the headquarters of the College of Merchants, La Lonja de Palma is the finest example of late Gothic civil architecture in the Balearic Islands and one of the most iconic of its kind in Europe.
Designed by sculptor and architect Guillem Sagrera, the building reflects Palma’s thriving 15th-century trade and maritime past. Inside, the grand hall features twelve ribbed vaults supported by six helicoidal columns with no bases or capitals.
The vaulted ceilings are adorned with intricately sculpted keystones, showcasing original gilded polychrome shields. The large pointed-arch windows—two on each wall—feature delicate tracery, allowing natural light to flood the space and creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a palm grove.
In each corner of the hall, spiral staircases lead to a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views over the city and the bay. Notably, La Lonja’s architectural design served as inspiration for the Lonja de Valencia, built in 1482.
Today, this iconic site welcomes art, culture, and tourism, becoming a landmark where history meets contemporary creativity. Works such as Mar Interior by Pedro Cabrita Reis and Mirall by Jaume Plensa have attracted over 900,000 visitors during 2023 and 2024.