November 3, 2009

Global Seminars & Invited Speaker Series

THE MUSEUMS

Museum of Navarre: present and future

D. Miguel Ángel Hurtado
Director of the Museum of Navarra

In response to the demands of today's society and agreement with the principles of modern museology, the Museum of Navarra has its main raison d'être in the enhancement, conservation, study and dissemination of its collections.

In terms of growth and conservation, the Museum has invested 1,279,167.17 euros in the last six years, with which it has acquired one hundred and eighty-five works of art and two hundred and fifty-one numismatic pieces. In addition, a good issue of works of art have been donated and donated. As for the application of conservation and restoration treatments, it can serve as an example that in 2008 alone fifty-four paintings have been restored, as well as sculptures, decorative arts and archeology pieces. 

The study of the collection has also been intense, especially with regard to photography. A large part of the work of photographers Gerardo and Agustín Zaragüeta, Nicolás Ardanaz and Pedro María Irurzun has been inventoried, catalogued and conditioned. In many cases, this work has been completed with digital photography. Work has also been carried out on the numismatic collection. 

As far as diffusion is concerned. In addition to showing an important part in the permanent exhibition , the Museum has organized in the last six years, thirty-five temporary exhibitions, devoting special attention to the work of Navarrese authors and to show the funds of reservation. Two hundred and ninety-nine works have also been lent for temporary exhibitions, held both in Spain and abroad.

It should be noted that the Museum carries out an important pedagogical work, which annually attracts more than twelve thousand schoolchildren to its halls, as well as other groups, who participate in the programmed activities. Its Library Services, specializing in art, offers readers and researchers the possibility of consulting more than eighteen thousand volumes and seven hundred magazines, as well as the documentary collection of contemporary Navarrese artists. 

But the Museum does not neglect the updating of its facilities. Thus, a systematic plan for the elimination of architectural barriers and the modernization and updating of security systems has been carried out in order to guarantee the conservation of the heritage it preserves and the safety of its visitors.

As for the future of the Museum, and if the proposal proposed in the Global Plan for the Promotion and development of Contemporary Art in Navarre is carried out, it would go hand in hand with the expansion of the current building, which would house the Museum of Navarre and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Navarre. In any case, the Museum of Navarre would continue to be the center of reference letter in Navarrese art of all times.
 

Façade of the Museum of Navarre today 

Acquisition: Ciborium-Pixel (XV century)

exhibitionJulio González in the IVAM collection