Casa Mané – Where Stone, Metal and Colour Meet in Fuerteventura’s North
Those who wander through the north of Fuerteventura will find, just east of the sleepy village of La Oliva, an estate that seems to grow out of the island’s barren lava rock: Casa Mané, one of the most remarkable art centres on Fuerteventura.
A Manor House with History – the Centro de Arte Canario
The imposing building was constructed in the 19th century and still carries the dignity of a Canarian manor house today. Since the 1990s, it has housed the Centro de Arte Canario – born from the private initiative of art patron Manuel Delgado Camino, whose nickname Mané gave the house its distinctive name.
His goal was to create a platform for Canarian artists – not only on Fuerteventura, but also on an international level. A vision that can still be felt in every room today.
72 Metal Goats and a Goatherd in the Wind
One pauses the moment one enters the sculpture-filled garden. Amidst lava rock and sunlight stand 72 individually crafted metal goats – created by the Catalan artist Albert Argulló, who lived on Fuerteventura for 28 years. Argulló was a member of the artist group Grup d’Elx, and his most striking sculpture depicts the legendary goatherd Majohoré, holding wind-spinning mobiles in his hands. An image that is not easily forgotten.
Art in the Lower Level – Surreal, Humorous, Timeless
Deeper in the house, in long underground rooms where daylight barely reaches, one encounters the works of Alberto Manrique de Lara – born in 1926 on Gran Canaria. His early works breathe the spirit of Surrealism, whilst later pieces carry humorous and philosophical traits. Walking through these rooms feels like a quiet conversation with time.
Fire, Colour and World-Class Status – Painting at the Highest Level
Those who love painting will find in the Casa Mané art centre powerful, richly coloured nude paintings by Mario Antígono – fiery, direct, unmistakable. Alongside these hang works by Pepe Dámaso, an artist born in the Canary Islands whose paintings, sculptures, and plastic works are reminiscent of Picasso and Salvador Dalí, yet speak an entirely individual language. Naturally, exhibits by the world-renowned Lanzarote artist César Manrique are also to be found in the exhibition rooms.
Art Purchases, Café and Bookshop – More Than a Museum
Casa Mané is not a museum in the classical sense. Those who wish may take a piece or two home as a souvenir. An adjoining bookshop invites art-related reading, and a small cafeteria provides a pleasant pause between impressions. Admission is free – a rare generosity that is gladly accepted.
Combinable with La Casa de los Coroneles
Just a few hundred metres away awaits the manor house La Casa de los Coroneles, another historic attraction in La Oliva. Combining both visits is highly recommended.
Visitor Information
| Address | Calle Salvador Manrique de Lara s/n, E–35640 La Oliva |
| Telephone | +34 928 868 233 |
| Mobile | +34 616 531 930 |
| Website | www.centrodeartecanario.com |
| Opening Hours | Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00, Sat 10:00–14:00 |
| Admission | Free |
