Joan Miró i Ferrà (1893 – 1983) was perhaps one of the most difficult Catalan artists to classify, his interest in the subconscious mind brought forth eclectic work that moved between Surrealism, Fauvism and Expressionism. Fundació Joan Miró was created by the artist himself alongside Joan Prats, an art promotor and close friend.  The architect of the building and first director of the foundation were also personal friends.  It is one of the first such spaces designed with the collusion of the artist and features temporary exhibitions, academic programmes and research facilities.

The artist’s intention with the foundation was to encourage younger artists to experiment with contemporary art, with this in mind Miro’s work features alongside cutting-edge artists of the 20th and 21st Century.