Thanks to the tremendous efforts put into rigorous documentation, the exhibition at Santa Maria de Pedralbes offers a truly immersive experience in the 15th-century monastery. Using virtual reality glasses, visitors can step inside the great images that allow them to see what the cloister garden was like and how the gilding of the chapel of Sant Miquel shimmered while adorned with frescoes. Despite dating from the 14th century, the exhibition includes a veritable jewel created by Ferrer Bassa, known as Catalonia’s Giotto. This allows visitors to enjoy the beauty and artistry of the past in a unique and engaging way.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the recreation of the atmosphere of the kitchen and the infirmary, complete with all their wares and utensils. The long-term exhibition is set up in the infirmary, a space renovated in the 16th century. It features artistic remains such as an altar frontal and the Tapís de Mallorca ceramic panel, as well as furniture that provides insight into the monastery’s day-to-day life. Visitors can see a 15th-16th-century lectern for singing and storing sheet music, medieval wooden boxes with wrought iron, a trunk with a 19th-century camp bed designed for travel purposes, and a 16th-century box-bed used for both sleeping and storing bedding. One of the fundamental pieces on display is the queen’s wardrobe, a rare relic from the time of Elisenda de Montcada, featuring Gothic-shaped openings for ventilation.
The exhibition is accompanied by an audiovisual presentation that highlights the power held by female abbesses of Pedralbes in the Middle Ages and early Modern Age. The story of Violant de Montcada is particularly captivating, as it recounts her dismissal by Ferdinand the Catholic and her courageous seven-year journey to seek reinstatement by the Pope of Rome. This tale of female empowerment is sure to resonate with visitors and may even inspire a future film adaptation. Visitors are encouraged to experience this story in 3D with the provided glasses, adding an extra layer of immersion to the exhibition.
For those unable to visit the monastery in person, a website offers a wealth of information about Santa Maria de Pedralbes. The digital reconstruction of the complex, layout of different rooms, and images of spaces and artworks are available on the website www.monestirpedralbes.barcelona/rereelsmurs. Visitors can explore the virtual recreation of the monastery from the 15th century to the present day, in seven stages of development. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of the monastery’s history, customs, and architectural evolution over time.
In conclusion, the exhibition at Santa Maria de Pedralbes provides a unique and engaging opportunity to step back in time and experience the beauty and history of this 15th-century monastery. Through virtual reality technology, detailed documentation, and immersive storytelling, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the art, culture, and daily life of the monastery and its inhabitants. Whether visiting in person or exploring online, the exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into the past that is sure to leave a lasting impression.