7 reasons why you should visit Chillida Leku

6 May 2024 | Art and culture

A journey to the heart of Eduardo Chillida’s monumental work

On the centenary of Eduardo Chillida, we invite you to discover Chillida Leku, a unique museum where art and nature meet. From the Zinema7 Hotel, your hotel in San Sebastián, we give you 7 reasons to visit this impressive place just 10km from Donostia. Prepare for an unforgettable journey to the heart of the work of one of the most important artists of our time. 

Chillida Leku

Chillida Leku

Eduardo Chillida: An artist who crossed borders

Eduardo Chillida, born in San Sebastián in 1924, is one of the most recognized artists in Spain and the world. His work, which includes sculpture, drawing and engraving, has crossed borders and left an indelible mark on contemporary art. Chillida is known for his monumental sculptures of iron and stone, which can be found in places as diverse as the coast of San Sebastián and the courtyard of the UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

This year, 2024, marks the centenary of his birth, and special events are being held around the world to commemorate his life and work. For the people of San Sebastián, Chillida is not just a famous artist, but an integral part of the cultural identity of the city.

As Chillida once said, “Art is a language that allows us to express what we cannot say with words”. At Chillida Leku, this language is spoken with impressive eloquence. Don’t miss it.

7 reasons to visit Chillida Leku

1. A unique museum in the world

 Chillida Leku is not a museum as usual. It is a meeting space between art and nature, where Chillida’s sculptures dialogue with the landscape. Here, art is not contemplated, it is lived.

2. Chillida’s house

The Zabalaga farmhouse, a typical Basque house from the 16th century, houses a selection of Chillida’s works. It is a unique opportunity to see how the artist integrated his work into his daily life.

3. A walk among sculptures

The garden of Chillida Leku, with its 11 hectares of extension, houses more than 40 large-format sculptures. A walk through this park is an unforgettable experience.

Eduardo Chillida

Chillida, Peine del Viento

4. Activities for everyone

Chillida Leku offers a wide range of activities for all ages, from art workshops to concerts and performances. In addition, this year there are special events to commemorate Chillida’s centenary.

5. A tribute to Basque culture

Chillida always felt deeply connected to his homeland. At Chillida Leku, this connection is evident in works such as “Homenaje a los Fueros”, a tribute to Basque history and culture.

6. A place of reflection

Chillida Leku is a place of silence and reflection. Here, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can experience the power of art to move the spirit and open the mind.

7. A must-see destination in San Sebastián

If you are in San Sebastián, a visit to Chillida Leku is a must. And if you stay at Zinema7 Hotel, you will be a step away from this wonderful museum.

Imagine a famous actor, like Daniel Day-Lewis, walking through Chillida Leku. He stops in front of one of Chillida’s sculptures and observes it carefully. He approaches the work and touches it with his hand, feeling the rough texture of the steel. He closes his eyes and breathes deeply, letting himself be carried away by the energy of the sculpture.

Day-Lewis opens his eyes and smiles. He has found in Chillida Leku a place of peace and reflection. A place where art and nature come together to create a unique and unforgettable experience.

And remember, as Clark Gable would say in ‘Gone with the Wind’, ‘Frankly, my dear, I do care about Chillida Leku’. See you at the Zinema7 Hotel, your hotel in San Sebastián!

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