The temporary return of Joaquín Sorolla’s works to Valencia has become one of the most talked about topics in Spain’s cultural scene. For local residents, this is more than just an exhibition—it’s a chance to see unique pieces that have spent years across the ocean. The decision to house the collection in the city could enhance Valencia’s image as a cultural hub and draw the attention of the European public.
An agreement between Valencia’s mayor María José Catalá and the president of the Generalitat, Juan Francisco Pérez Llorca, provides for a temporary display of 220 Sorolla paintings owned by The Hispanic Society of America. These works will be exhibited in one of the city’s museums until renovations at the permanent facility in the Palacio de Comunicaciones are complete. The first group of paintings, divided into three thematic sections—“Spanish Sorolla,” “American Sorolla,” and “Famous Portraits”—is set to arrive in Valencia before the summer.
Negotiations and details
The negotiations involved not only Spanish officials but also Guillaume Kientz, director of the American organization, and the artist’s great-granddaughter Blanca Pons-Sorolla. The meeting helped coordinate the transport stages and conditions for housing the collection. The agreement signed in July grants Valencia the status of European headquarters for the New York foundation, and provides for the transfer of works for four years, with an option to extend to 15 years.
Originally, the plan was for the Palacio de las Comunicaciones to serve as a permanent venue for the exhibition. However, due to legal disputes with the College of Architects and a temporary suspension of the project, an alternative had to be found. As a temporary solution, the City Museum (Museo de la Ciudad) was chosen, but the use of other exhibition spaces in the regional capital is also under discussion.
Financial aspects
The parties agreed to an annual payment of 1.15 million euros to The Hispanic Society for providing the collection. In addition, the authorities pledged to insure the artworks, whose total value exceeds 200 million dollars. This move highlights the region’s strong commitment and willingness to invest in international-level cultural projects.
The authorities of Valencia and the autonomous community are working to speed up the process so that residents and visitors can view the paintings before the end of the current political term. After the renovation is complete, the collection will move to the historic building of the former post office, where a permanent exhibition is planned.
Reactions and expectations
The city mayor thanked everyone who contributed to reaching the agreement, especially acknowledging the role of the institutions and the trust shown by the American side. In her words, the return of Sorolla’s works is not only a cultural event, but also an important step in strengthening Valencia’s international reputation.
The President of the Generalitat emphasized that bringing the collection to Valencia could boost the region’s appeal to tourists and professionals, while further establishing Valencia as one of the leading cultural centers of the Mediterranean and Europe. The Director of The Hispanic Society called the agreement a small but significant step, and the artist’s great-granddaughter noted that the project opens up new prospects for popularizing Sorolla’s work and fostering cultural initiatives in the region.
Challenges and prospects
Despite the agreements reached, debates around the project continue. Some experts and members of the architectural community remain skeptical about the choice of the temporary venue and the conditions for storing valuable works. At the same time, public interest in the event shows no sign of waning: social networks are abuzz not only about the artistic value of the collection, but also about its possible economic and image-related impact on the city.
For now, the question remains open as to how long the Sorolla collection will stay in Valencia and whether the city will manage to gain the status of the European capital of the renowned artist’s work. However, it is already clear: the temporary return of Sorolla’s works has sparked lively debates and new expectations in the cultural life of Spain.
