If you’re looking to explore the vibrant cultural side of Menorca, the Fundació Numa Ciutadella, often referred to as the Numa Museum Menorca, stands out as one of the island’s most inspiring spaces for contemporary creativity. The museum is known for its clean and nice environment, offering a well-maintained and welcoming atmosphere that enhances every visit.
As a growing hub of contemporary art Menorca, Numa hosts major exhibitions such as the Hiroshi Kitamura exhibition and Caspar Berger Inner Voice, making it an essential stop for Ciutadella cultural tourism. Whether you’re searching for enriching things to do in Ciutadella, planning an educational visit, or exploring the best Menorca museums, Fundació Numa offers a captivating blend of art, architecture, landscape and emotion.
Numa Museum
Nestled between the harbour and the historic old town of Ciutadella, Fundació Numa Espais de Cultura has quickly become one of the most compelling cultural spaces in Menorca. Fundació Numa is a contemporary art centre located in Ciutadella, Menorca. As someone who grew up here, I’ve visited Numa many times, with my family, with friends, and with students from all over the world, and each visit feels like stepping into a space where time stretches, breath deepens, and art begins to speak.
Numa was founded with a simple yet profound idea: art should be accessible, emotional and transformative. The word Numa comes from the Greek pneuma, meaning “breath” or “vital spirit.” This philosophy is not just poetic; it shapes the entire experience. The museum breathes through its architecture, its exhibitions, its natural light, and its gardens carved into Menorca’s stone. It invites you to slow down, observe and connect. The area around Fundació Numa is known for its vibrant cultural atmosphere, with great bars and restaurants and other attractions nearby, making it perfect for exploring after enjoying the museum’s stone walls surrounding the museum.
This is not just another museum in Ciutadella. It is a cultural sanctuary, a place where international artists, local landscapes and human questions come together. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are always available to provide guidance, answer questions and share insights about the exhibitions, making each visit more engaging and informative.
A Space Built on Breath, Creativity and Accessibility
One of the foundations of Fundació Numa is its commitment to making contemporary art accessible to everyone. According to its mission, art here is designed to:
• Emotionally connect visitors with the work
• Encourage reflection and dialogue
• Showcase local and international talent
• Offer creative spaces open to all ages and backgrounds
• Integrate art with landscape, architecture, and community
Numa’s location makes it even more special, sitting just above Ciutadella’s historic harbour, with winding alleys, Mediterranean light, and stone walls surrounding the museum. Adjacent to Fundació Numa are the s’Albufera gardens, which provide a unique setting where history, art and nature exist in harmony. It’s the perfect stop before or after exploring the old town, enjoying a harbour-side café or guiding a group of curious students from abroad.
Accessibility also matters here. Most of the space is wheelchair-friendly, children under 16 enter for free, and there’s parking close by, small details that make visits easier for families, groups and travellers. The museum is open on Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, with free admission available for visitors under 18 on Sundays, making it even more accessible to a wider audience. For a smooth arrival, visitors are advised to check arrival details such as opening hours, transportation options and entry procedures before their visit.
Hiroshi Kitamura: Sculpting the Dialogue Between Matter and Spirit
One of the most memorable exhibitions I’ve experienced at Fundació Numa is the stunning collection by Hiroshi Kitamura, an artist whose work merges philosophy, craft and nature in an almost meditative way.
Kitamura, born in Hokkaido in 1955, was raised in an environment where creativity was everyday life. His mother taught him to paint through a principle she described as working “from negation,” meaning that instead of forcing shapes, he should allow forms to appear. This philosophy shaped his entire artistic journey.
He later studied sculpture and woodblock printmaking at the Hokkaido Academy of Fine Arts, discovering in printmaking a kind of collaboration: the artist, the tools, the ink and the wood all becoming part of the creative process. After moving to Catalonia in 1987 and eventually settling in the Empordà region, Kitamura began merging Japanese sensibility with Mediterranean landscapes and materials.
A Dialogue Between Matter and Void
Kitamura’s work revolves around reclaimed wood, branches, tree trunks, and discarded pieces, which he transforms into sculptures that feel simultaneously ancient and alive. Numa describes his practice as a “subtle dialogue between matter and void”, where presence and absence carry equal meaning.
He doesn’t impose form on the wood. Instead, he listens.
Kitamura describes himself simply as a helper of the material, someone who collaborates with the natural world rather than controlling it. His sculptures reveal the cycles of life, decay, transformation, and renewal.
His ink works, created with walnut ink, tempera, mother-of-pearl, Japanese papers, and traditional hyougu techniques, echo the same sensitivity. They are expansive, monochromatic, and filled with silence.
Why This Exhibition Resonates With Visitors
Whether I’m visiting with students or family, Kitamura’s exhibition always sparks reflection. His pieces ask:
• What does material remember?
• How do humans participate in nature’s cycles?
• What happens when we stop forcing and start listening?
For students, especially, seeing reclaimed wood transformed into poetic sculptures is a powerful reminder that creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand. Engaging with Kitamura’s work helps visitors understand the deeper connections between creativity, sustainability, and the cycles of nature. And for young visitors, the large, organic forms have an immediate, almost tactile appeal.
Caspar Berger’s Inner Voice: Sculpting Identity from the Inside Out
While Kitamura looks outward to the natural world, Caspar Berger turns inward, exploring the architecture of identity, memory, and existence.
Born in Utrecht in 1965, Berger works with materials as varied as bronze, silver, gold, silicone, felt, wood, and video. His perspective is both classical and deeply contemporary: figurative, but conceptual; intimate, but philosophical.
The Four Series of Inner Voice
Berger’s Inner Voice exhibition at Fundació Numa is divided into four interconnected series, each exploring a different part of the human experience:
1. Skin
Casts taken from the artist’s own skin reveal the fragile boundary between the inner self and the visible world. Skin becomes both armour and vulnerability.
2. Universe
These works question how collective identities are built — the myths, ideas, and narratives societies create and repeat. They explore how we situate ourselves within a larger human fabric.
3. Skeleton
A 3D replica of Berger’s own skeleton becomes a raw symbol of permanence, mortality, and the universal structure beneath every individual identity.
4. Spirit
The final chapter examines ethics, belief, responsibility, and the unseen forces that shape human behaviour across time.
Berger says:
“Listening to your inner voice requires courage. It’s a constant dialogue with who you are and who you want to become.”
The emotional impact of this exhibition is profound. Students often find themselves reflecting on identity and belonging; adults begin discussing time, mortality, memory, and the values that guide them.
A Place to Bring Family, Friends and Students
Part of the beauty of Fundació Numa is how easily it adapts to the people you bring. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including creative workshops, interactive experiences and hands-on events related to the exhibitions. For art and culture enthusiasts, the museum offers a welcoming and comfortable environment that feels like a home, inviting everyone to connect and belong.
With family
The atmosphere is calm, the exhibitions are visually engaging, and the natural materials make the space accessible even to children.
With friends
A cultural visit that flows effortlessly into a walk through Ciutadella, a café stop, or sunset by the port.
With international students
Numa becomes a bridge between cultures, between ideas, between languages.
The exhibitions encourage meaningful discussions on identity, nature, sustainability, creativity and human experience.
I’ve watched students pause thoughtfully in front of Kitamura’s sculptures, or debate Berger’s Skin series with genuine curiosity. Art becomes a shared language, even when they come from different countries, cultures, and academic backgrounds.
Museum Facilities: Spaces Designed for Inspiration and Comfort
Stepping into Fundació Numa, visitors are greeted by a space where inspiration and comfort go hand in hand. The museum’s facilities are thoughtfully designed to welcome guests of all ages, making every visit a memorable experience. At the heart of the museum is its permanent collection gallery, where visitors can immerse themselves in works that reflect Menorca’s evolving artistic spirit. Alongside this, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, ensuring there’s always something new to discover with each visit.
For those eager to deepen their understanding, guided tours and interactive workshops are available throughout the year, offering unique insights into the art, history, and culture on display. The museum’s lecture hall serves as a vibrant hub for talks, performances, and educational events, making it a lively gathering place for the community.
Located in the very centre of Ciutadella, Fundació Numa is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, history, and the creative pulse of Menorca. Families will appreciate the museum’s welcoming atmosphere, with free admission on Fridays, making it an ideal day to explore together. Convenient parking nearby ensures a smooth arrival, so you can focus on enjoying the collection, exhibitions, and everything the museum has to offer. Whether you’re planning a day out with friends, a family adventure, or a solo journey of discovery, Fundació Numa’s facilities are designed to make your experience as inspiring and comfortable as possible.
Local Culture and Traditions: The Museum’s Place in Ciutadella’s Living Heritage
Fundació Numa is more than just a museum—it’s a vibrant part of Ciutadella’s living heritage. Deeply rooted in the local culture and traditions of Menorca, the museum’s permanent collection and rotating temporary exhibitions celebrate the island’s rich history and unique spirit. Each visit offers a chance to discover the stories, customs, and creative expressions that have shaped the town over centuries.
Guided tours and hands-on workshops invite visitors of all ages to engage with Menorca’s cultural legacy in meaningful ways. From exploring traditional crafts to participating in lively events, the museum offers countless opportunities to connect with the island’s past and present. Sundays are especially lively, with free activities and events that open the doors to everyone, making it the perfect day to experience the local culture firsthand.
Surrounded by great bars and restaurants, Fundació Numa is ideally situated for those who want to combine their museum visit with a taste of Ciutadella’s renowned cuisine and music scene. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, the museum offers a welcoming space to celebrate the traditions, creativity, and community spirit that make Menorca truly special.
Sustainability Initiatives: Art, Nature, and Responsibility Intertwined
At Fundació Numa, sustainability is woven into every aspect of the museum’s mission. Located in the heart of Ciutadella, the museum takes full advantage of Menorca’s natural beauty, using its setting to inspire both environmental awareness and artistic expression. The permanent collection and temporary exhibitions frequently highlight themes of sustainability, conservation, and the vital relationship between art and nature.
Visitors are encouraged to participate in workshops and events that focus on eco-friendly practices and responsible tourism, making each visit an opportunity to learn and take action. The museum’s outdoor spaces are designed as peaceful, environmentally friendly oases, offering a tranquil retreat within the city while demonstrating a commitment to green practices.
On Fridays, Fundació Numa offers free admission and a special programme of activities dedicated to sustainability, making it the perfect day to explore how art and responsibility can come together to create positive change. By integrating nature, creativity, and community engagement, the museum inspires visitors to reflect on their own impact and to carry the spirit of sustainability beyond its walls.
Planning Your Visit to Fundació Numa
Location: Plaça Quintana de Mar, Ciutadella de Menorca
Just steps from the historic centre, overlooking the stunning harbour.
Perfect for: Cultural travellers, art lovers, families, students, photographers, educators, music lovers, film lovers, film enthusiasts.
Good to know:
• Children under 16 enter free
• The museum is mostly accessible
• Parking is nearby
• Many exhibitions rotate — making repeat visits worth it
• Guided tours and educational workshops are offered throughout the year
• The museum hosts special events such as films, film screenings, live music performances, and talks throughout the year
• General admission to the museum is €4, but free entry is available on Sundays and on Friday evenings, when the museum often hosts special events
• Ideal to combine with a walk through Ciutadella’s old town or a harbour-side lunch
The museum is open on Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm, and has extended hours on Fridays for special events.
Visitors can view a diverse range of exhibitions, including displays of historical photographs and contemporary artworks.
Why Fundació Numa Matters for Ciutadella — and for Menorca
In recent years, Menorca has embraced a cultural movement that complements its natural beauty. Fundació Numa stands at the centre of this shift. The foundation presents a varied programme that includes temporary exhibitions, guided tours, and cultural events. It proves that contemporary art can thrive in island environments, that international exhibitions can connect with local communities, and that creativity can be both sophisticated and accessible.
Numa is a space where Menorca meets Japan through Kitamura’s work, where Menorca meets the Netherlands through Berger, and where visitors from around the world meet a part of themselves through art.
This is what makes the foundation so powerful: its ability to connect people, ideas, landscapes, and cultures.
A Place That Lets You Breathe Differently
Every time I step inside Fundació Numa, whether with my family, my friends, or a group of students, something shifts. The space itself feels like a deep breath. The exhibitions invite you not just to look, but to feel and question. The architecture frames Ciutadella in a new light. And the art lingers long after you’ve walked back into the Mediterranean sun.
If you’re looking for something meaningful to do in Ciutadella, something that enriches your understanding of the island and yourself, then a visit to Fundació Numa should be at the top of your list.
It’s not just a museum.
It’s a conversation.
A pause.
A breath.
A reminder of what it means to be human.
