Hauser & Wirth Menorca is located on Illa del Rei, an island in Mahon harbour. Photo: Be Creative

Menorca location awarded Best Art Destination by Wallpaper*

7 January 2022

‘A utopian idea’ to experience art in relation to heritage, education and sustainability

Hauser & Wirth Menorca has received the Best Art Destination award by global design authority Wallpaper*. The Wallpaper* Design Awards celebrate the design hits of the previous year and are ‘a testament to design’s ability to respond to evolving needs, lift our spirits, and serve the public good.’ Since 2005, the awards have recognized works by architects and designers including OMA, Herzog & de Meuron, Hermès, Celine, Sabine Marcelis, Tadao Ando and Adjaye Associates among many others.

The Best Art Destination award recognizes the work undertaken to repurpose Illa del Rei’s ‘architectural gem’ into an art center comprising a gallery, outdoor sculpture trail, education lab, restaurant, gardens and boutique with sustainability as ‘a core mission.’

Since opening in July 2021, Hauser & Wirth Menorca received over 58,000 visits to the inaugural Mark Bradford exhibition ‘Masses and Movements’. Bradford created an installation highlighting migration in the Education Lab together with the local students from Escola d’Art de Menorca, and over 1,300 participants took part in educational activities.

‘We are honored to receive an award that recognizes a project which is proving so inspiring for our artists and visitors alike’—Iwan Wirth

The Education Lab in Menorca with Mark Bradford and students from Escola d'Art de Menorca, 2021 © Mark Bradford. Photo: Daniel Schäfer

Spanish sculptor Eduardo Chillida’s work beside the gallery entrance © Zabalaga Leku. San Sebastián, VEGAP, 2021. Photo: Daniel Schäfer

‘We are honored to receive an award that celebrates a project which is proving so inspiring for our artists and visitors alike,’ says Iwan Wirth, President of Hauser & Wirth. ‘Illa del Rei is a magical site which becomes most extraordinary art experience when combined with work by our artists. In Luis Laplace and Piet Oudolf we have found collaborators who truly share our vision.’

Wallpaper* recognizes the sensitive restoration of the 18th century hospital outbuildings overseen by Luis Laplace, ‘who sought ‘enhance Menorca,’ using as much local, traditional and recycled material along with the island’s strong craft traditions.’

The award also acknowledges the garden created by renowned landscape designer Piet Oudolf, ‘who worked with local plant experts to create a native flora garden that will renew and thrive all year long,’ and the restaurant Cantina which ‘focuses on local and sustainable food,’ run by local restaurant and vineyard Binifadet.

The architectural project by Luis Laplace has also been recognized by AD internationally, Créateurs Design Awards, IDA Design Awards, and 2021 Best of Year Awards. The gallery’s team continues to work in close collaboration with the volunteers at the Fundació Hospital de l’Illa del Rei, who have spearheaded the restoration of the island for over 17 years. The collaboration between Hauser & Wirth Menorca and the Fundació has been recognised by the Balearic Island’s government with an award for the Best Social Responsibility Initiative.

Learn more about the award on Wallpaper*.