Palau Solterra is a museum dedicated to contemporary photography that forms part of the Fundació Vila Casas. It is situated in the town of Torroella de Montgrí, within the Baix Empordà region of Catalonia, Spain (coordinates 42°02′30″ N 3°07′34″ E). The museum opened in 2000 and occupies a historic 15th‑century palatial mansion that previously served as the residence of the Counts of Torroella de Montgrí.
History
The building that houses Palau Solterra dates to the 15th century and is notable for its Renaissance architectural features. In the late 20th century the Fundació Vila Casas acquired the property and, after restoration, inaugurated it as the Contemporary Photography Museum in 2000.
Architecture
The structure retains elements typical of Catalan aristocratic residences of the period, including stone façades, interior courtyards, and ornamental stonework. The adaptive reuse of the palace integrates the historic fabric with exhibition spaces designed for the display of photographic works.
Collections
Palau Solterra’s permanent collection comprises approximately 300 contemporary photographs created by artists from Spain and abroad. Notable contributors to the collection include Chema Madoz, Alberto García Álix, Toni Catany, and Otto Lloyd. The museum’s holdings emphasize both national and international developments in photographic art.
Exhibitions and Programs
In addition to its permanent collection, Palau Solterra hosts temporary exhibitions that feature emerging and established photographers. The institution also organizes a regular cycle of conferences and lectures focusing on history, humanities, and visual culture.
Management
The museum is administered by the Fundació Vila Casas, a private cultural foundation that supports contemporary art initiatives throughout Catalonia. Funding for the museum’s operations and programming derives from the foundation’s endowment, private donations, and public cultural grants.
Location and Access
Palau Solterra is centrally located in Torroella de Montgrí, a historic town in the province of Girona. The museum is accessible via regional road networks and is served by local public transportation. Visitor information, including opening hours and ticketing, is available on the museum’s official website.