The association Art Palma Contemporani has presented the thirtieth edition of the Night of Art, which will take place in 2026 with a special programme of exhibitions, concerts, and free guided tours.
The Night of Art, the major event that marks the beginning of the exhibition season in Mallorca, is celebrating three decades. The association Art Palma Contemporani (APC) has unveiled the details of the thirtieth edition, which promises to be the most ambitious since a group of gallery owners decided to open their spaces simultaneously for one night in September 1997.
A pioneering model that was born in Palma
The Balearic capital was the first city in Europe to celebrate a Night of Art, a format that has since been replicated in other parts of the continent. The original idea came from gallery owners Pep Pinya and Xavier Fiol, through the Independent Association of Art Galleries of the Balearic Islands (AIGAB). That first event in 1997 laid the foundations for what is now a benchmark in the European artistic calendar.
Since then, the Night of Art has evolved to bring together artists, gallery owners, collectors, curators, institutions, and thousands of visitors around contemporary art each year. The 2026 edition, the 30th, will not only celebrate the past but will also look to the future with a programme that goes beyond the traditional tour of galleries.
Special programme and free guided tours
The galleries integrated in APC have prepared a special programme that will include exhibitions, concerts, cultural meetings, and free guided tours in several languages, led by professionals in the sector. Additionally, activities have been organised in collaboration with the main public and private institutions in Mallorca. The network of Collaborative Spaces is also expanding and will reopen its doors in a coordinated manner during the event's celebration.
The organisation highlights that this special edition evidences the role of the galleries of Art Palma Contemporani as one of the main driving forces of the Balearic cultural sector. The aim is to strengthen the artistic ecosystem of the islands and increase its international projection. To achieve this, APC has reinforced its internationalisation strategy by inviting curators, art advisors, and international collectors, with the intention of turning them into ambassadors for the Mallorcan art scene.
For the local public, the Night of Art remains a unique opportunity to discover contemporary art for free in a festive atmosphere. The streets of Palma fill with visitors exploring the galleries, often with surprises such as live performances or ephemeral installations. This year, with the added bonus of the 30th anniversary, a record attendance is expected.
“The Night of Art is the starting gun for the exhibition season on the island, and this year we want it to be unforgettable,” say APC.
The exact date of the celebration has yet to be confirmed, but it traditionally takes place at the end of September. Interested parties can check the updated programme on the Art Palma Contemporani website.
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