Museu sa Bassa Blanca

The former home of artists Yannick Vu and Ben Jakober has been transformed into a foundation, to share their art-filled home and collections with the public. Located on an enormous property on a peninsula on the eastern end of the island, Sa Bassa Blanca Museum can best be described as a cultural wonderland that encompasses a house, garden, art collections and a sculpture park. The Moorish-style mansion is a gem in and of itself. Designed by Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy, and with ornate details throughout—hand-painted tiles, a Mudejar coffered ceiling, Moroccan panels—it is filled with eclectic art from a lifetime of collecting. Museum spaces include the Nins Collection, the old master's collection of more than 150 portraits of children that they began after their own daughter died at 18; a second underground space showcases contemporary works; the “Zoological Park” sculpture garden with giant granite animals by Vu and Jakober; and the Sokrates Space, conceived as a giant cabinet of curiosities with contemporary art pieces including a James Turrell installation.

There is so much to take in that Sa Bassa Blanca is best navigated and appreciated with a guide. The museum can also be somewhat difficult to get to. Located in a protected natural area, down an unpaved road, there is no public transportation to reach the museum, and it can be tough to get an Uber for your return. Nonetheless, it is worth the effort—just plan transportation ahead.