Joaquín Sorolla exhibitions, enjoy the Year of Sorolla in València

The Joaquín Sorolla exhibitions that are taking place in València as part of the Year of Sorolla give you the opportunity to see some of the artist’s most important works. Keep reading to discover more and get ready to soak up some culture.

Joaquín Sorolla, the painter of light

First, let us give you a bit of context. Joaquín Sorolla Bastida was born in València in 1863. He trained under the great painter Godella Ignacio Pinazo, before embarking on an international career that was influenced both by the work of his professor and Velázquez, an artist that he admired.

His artistic development coincided with that of the Benlliure Gil brothers, who were painters and sculptors, and was probably influenced by the way Nordic artists were handling light, an impact that would change his way of working forever. Costumbrismo, beach scenes, portraits: in all of his work Sorolla captured the trends of the period of great artistic change, transforming them into unmistakable works. Now, thanks to a number of incredible exhibitions, you have the opportunity to learn much more about the life of the artist and his work. 

Joaquín Sorolla exhibitions in València in 2023

València’s Fine Arts Museum is hosting an anthology entitled “Sorolla. Orígenes” (Sorolla. Roots), which will be on display until the 11 June. This Joaquín Sorolla exhibition brings together a selection of oil paintings and watercolours created between 1878 and 1884.

The gallery’s vast collection – with historic pieces by Van Dyck, Murillo, Velázquez, El Greco and Goya – is sure to take you aback. The museum is located next to El Turia Garden so you can get there on foot or by bike. From the 29 June to the 1 October, the gallery will house the Masaveu collection, which is one of the most important selections of the artist’s work in the world.

The Communications Palace, situated in València’s Plaza del Ayuntamiento, will host the “De la foscor a la llum” (From the darkness to the light) exhibition, displaying pieces from a private collection. Highlights of the exhibit include work by de Juan de Juanes, José de Ribera, Francisco Zurbarán, José Benlliure and Ignacio Pinazo.

Another Joaquín Sorolla exhibition you will not want to miss is “Sorolla a Roma” (Sorolla in Rome), which you can see at Scala Palace in Plaza de Manises every weekend and Bank Holiday until the 22 July. The exhibition focuses on the artist’s early work, giving you the opportunity to delve into his roots.

At the Bancaja building, you can visit “Sorolla en Negro” (Sorolla in black), which counts over 100 works of art, including pieces that have never been on public display before. From October, the same venue will be exhibiting “Sorolla a través de la luz” (Sorolla through light), in which you can see the artist’s work like never before through virtual reality.

Lastly, we recommend you make your way to an immersive Joaquín Sorolla exhibition that will be set up at La Base in La Marina de València from the 15 June. And remember that there are guided tours that will take you to places that were important in the Valencian painter’s life. The Year of Sorolla promises plenty of things to get up to that you won’t want to miss. Which one will you start with?