The Lonja in the Plaza del Pilar in Zaragoza is possibly the most prominent temporary exhibition hall in the city, thanks to displays such as that of the sculptor Chillida, currently in the Renaissance hall. This 16th-century monument houses works by one of the greatest artists of the 20th century until February 1, 2026.
The exhibition, titled Eduardo Chillida. Dreaming Space, is organized by the Ibercaja Foundation and curated by Alicia Vallina, in collaboration with the Zaragoza City Council, the Eduardo Chillida – Pilar Belzunce Foundation, and Chillida Leku in Guipúzcoa.
In total, La Lonja displays 120 works by the Basque artist, including sculptures of various sizes and materials, drawings, paper collages, and graphic art. For Chillida, his drawings are significant standalone works beyond sketches for sculptures, exploring form and space and highlighting his mastery with pencils and inks.
His portraits are particularly noteworthy, full of expressiveness and depth, despite his well-known abstract work. Many of his drawings and engravings also focus on geometry and two-dimensional abstraction, which he later translated into three-dimensional sculpture.
Sculpture is what made Chillida one of the key figures in 20th-century visual art, with a lasting influence. La Lonja exhibits pieces from his entire repertoire, molded in plaster, wood, alabaster, iron, and concrete, and even in earth, showcasing his variety of materials.
Here, the tangible nature of Chillida’s art is fully expressed, with some large-scale works engaging in dialogue with the surroundings and the viewers. Without a doubt, these 120 works offer a broad view of his tireless artistic quest centered on material, space, and emptiness.
The space in Guipúzcoa provides an even more intimate context. Chillida Leku, in Hernani, is a sanctuary of his life and work, housing graphic works, drawings, photographs, and sculptures of all formats, including colossal pieces scattered throughout the estate. This place comes alive outdoors, in the natural Basque landscape, perfectly complementing any visit to La Lonja.
