Centro de Arte Hortensia Herrero

The Centro de Arte Hortensia Herrero is a cultural space located in the historic Palacio de Valeriola, in the heart of Valencia. Driven by the Fundación Hortensia Herrero, the centre was inaugurated on 11 November 2023 with the aim of bringing contemporary art closer to the public and fostering dialogue between historic heritage and current artistic expression. Its mission combines the preservation of Valencia's cultural legacy with the exhibition of works by international and local artists, encouraging creativity and innovation in the field of art.

The building housing the centre, the Palacio de Valeriola, is a historic building of medieval origins erected on the site of ancient Roman Valentia. Original architectural elements have been respected, while contemporary solutions have been integrated to adapt it to its new function. It is accessed from the calle del Mar and, to increase the floor area, an annexe has been built that opens onto the calle San Cristóbal, providing a total surface area of 3,500 square metres for exhibitions.

The permanent exhibition, owned by Hortensia Herrero, a Valencian businesswoman, patron and art collector, includes works by renowned artists and is aimed at visitors of all ages. It houses an outstanding collection of contemporary art, including works by artists of international and national renown. Among them are figures such as Olafur Eliasson, Anselm Kiefer, Tony Cragg, George Baselitz and Mat Collishaw, among others, as well as acclaimed Spanish creators such as Jaume Plensa, Miquel Barceló and the Valencians Manolo Valdés, Juan Genovés and Andreu Alfaro. Some of the works on display were created specifically for this space, notably in their unique connection with the architectural and cultural setting of the palace.

The collection includes sculptures, installations and paintings that explore a wide variety of themes and forms, offering visitors an immersive experience that celebrates both the modernity and the historic heritage of Valencia.

Curator and holder of a doctorate in Fine Arts from the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Javier Molins serves as artistic adviser to the collection owned by patron Hortensia Herrero. His experience and expertise have been key to shaping the centre's collection, as well as to selecting and managing the artists and works in the space. Molins has worked closely with Hortensia Herrero to bring the centre's vision to life, travelling to select contemporary art pieces and collaborating on the organisation of exhibitions and projects designed specifically for the palace.

The Centro de Arte Hortensia Herrero reflects the foundation's commitment to culture, art and the community, establishing itself as a space where tradition and the avant-garde meet.