Anselm Kiefer visits monographic exhibition at Hortensia Herrero Art Centre in Valencia

Exhibition tour in Valencia

German painter and sculptor Anselm Kiefer visited the Centro de Arte Hortensia Herrero in Valencia on 30 September 2026 to inspect his monographic exhibition. Accompanied by arts patron Hortensia Herrero and curator Javier Molins, the 81-year-old artist walked through the six galleries displaying his work within the restored palace. Kiefer permitted photographs during the walkthrough but declined to answer questions from journalists, keeping to his practice of allowing the artwork to speak for itself. Museum representatives stated that the artist expressed satisfaction with how the pieces integrate into the architectural spaces and engage with the historical memory of the site. The exhibition represents Kiefer's first display in Valencia and enters its final weeks before concluding on 25 October 2026.

European debut of Danaë and studio preparation

The centerpiece of the installation is Danaë, a canvas measuring more than 13 meters in width that is on display in Europe for the first time. The piece merges the Greek myth of Zeus visiting Danae in the form of golden rain with an architectural depiction of Berlin's Tempelhof airport, a facility associated with the Nazi era. Before arriving in Spain, the artwork had been exhibited only once, in New York in 2022. To prepare the layout, Kiefer built full-scale replicas of the museum's galleries at his studio in Croissy, outside Paris, designing the arrangement specifically for the Valencia rooms. The exhibition brings together paintings from Herrero's private holdings and the artist's studio, addressing recurring motifs such as mythology, literature, history, natural landscapes, and music.

Patronage and temporary programming

The project reflects a working relationship between Kiefer and Herrero that began a decade ago when the Spanish patron purchased her first painting by the artist. The show is the first temporary exhibition hosted by the Centro de Arte Hortensia Herrero since the institution opened its doors three years ago in 2023. When asked by reporters whether the museum would regularly host temporary loans, Herrero reiterated her preference for showcasing her permanent private collection. Herrero noted that short-term exhibitions inevitably require dismantling and returning pieces, making them exceptions rather than standard policy.

Herrero addressed the temporary nature of the project during her discussion with reporters.

You feel sad when it leaves, as is the case at the end of October.

Permanent holdings and future acquisitions

Herrero confirmed that the presentation replacing Kiefer's show will rely on her permanent collection rather than an outside temporary loan. During the tour, Herrero and Kiefer discussed the potential permanent purchase of Danaë to keep the work within the Valencia museum. Herrero recounted that Kiefer joked about bringing enough art to fill the entire palace complex when he reaches the age of 100. Kiefer is among the few living creators with artwork displayed at the Louvre in Paris. Public access to the temporary exhibition continues in Valencia through 25 October 2026, after which the galleries will transition to permanent displays.