Imagine: Museo Sa Bassa Blanca

Huge granite animals line the shady paths of the declared wildlife sanctuary. A group of rams, a camel and a dromedary, an elephant and a rhino. And at the far end of the park a giant octopus looks like he has just escaped from the movie Mars Attacks. A long alley of palm trees leads back to Sa Bassa Blanca. The unique museum is surrounded by a rose garden and another one just for herbs.

On a late Monday morning we had the sculpture garden almost for ourselves. Museo Sa Bassa Blanca and its premises belong to the private foundation of Yannick and Ben Jakober. The artists and fervent collectors of art now share their former home with the public. The enigmatic bright white building with the pointed pinnacles reminds me of a Thousand And One Nights story. It houses a fine exhibition of contemporary art which we skipped that bright and sunny day.

With its lush green garden under a spotless blue sky, the wind in the trees, the birdsong and the humming insects Sa Bassa Blanca is one of those magic places on Mallorca. An extraordinary escape from busy towns and crowded beaches, yet it’s still kind of an insider tip. The eclectic collection in the bay of Alcúdia attracts art lovers from all over the world. Somehow it resembles a small sibling of famous Louisiana at the Øresund close to Copenhagen.

Wandering through the park of Sa Bassa Blanca I found a copy of John & Yoko’s banner from their 1969 campaign “War is over! If you want it“ attached to a traditional mares wall. And I noticed many places to rest. The first one was actually a large white stone, perfectly rounded. I was wondering for a moment whether it were just another piece of art, a place to sit or actually both. But on my way I discovered many more benches inviting me to take a seat, slow down and simply enjoy life.