Without a doubt, today Modernism represents one of the most outstanding moments in Catalonia’s cultural history, currently admired worldwide. While architecture and painting have materialized this recognition through numerous publications and exhibitions, the same has not happened with sculpture. Without questioning its undeniable importance and presence within the Modernist movement, beyond exhibitions dedicated to some of its most renowned figures—such as artists Miquel Blay, Enric Clarasó, Carles Mani, Emili Fontbona, and above all, Josep Llimona (for whom MEAM held the last major retrospective in 2014)—, until now, there had not yet been a major exhibition aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of this artistic expression. That is why MEAM is proud to do so for the first time, presenting Catalan statuary from the late 19th and early 20th centuries from a different perspective.

In this regard, and following the line of exhibitions that our museum has dedicated to sculpture since its opening in 2011, we aim to bring visitors closer to the extensive collection from this period that we hold—probably the most important in private hands, alongside that of the MNAC—, enriched with various works from other collections, some of which are unpublished and have never been exhibited to the public before.

Throughout the different rooms of the main floor of Palau Gomis, visitors will be able to delight in contemplating the works of its main representatives while also discovering lesser-known names, which are no less interesting. Likewise, they will be surprised to uncover facets or unique aspects that, despite being lesser-known, became characteristic of this movement. Thus, this exhibition seeks to offer an opportunity not only to enjoy but also to reflect on the various sculptural expressions that took place in Catalonia at the turn of the century, a period that experienced a true golden age.

Exhibition from June 6 to September 28, 2025.

Curated by: Juan Carlos Bejarano.