Textile art collection goes on display in September
Banco de España will host an exhibition showcasing its textile art collection from September 28, 2026, to March 27, 2027. The display, titled 'El plano flexible', features classic tapestries alongside contemporary experimental works.
From historic tapestries to critical expression
The exhibition 'El plano flexible' (The Flexible Plane) explores textile art at the intersection of art, architecture, and industry.
Staged at the Banco de España exhibition hall in Madrid, the display is organized into two distinct sections.
The first section highlights classic rugs and tapestries from the central bank's collection, including historic works from the Royal Tapestry Factory and master weavers such as Geraert Peemans, Urbanus Leyniers, and Jacques Neilson.
These traditional pieces demonstrate how textiles structured institutional spaces by modulating light, absorbing sound, and organizing architectural environments.
Weaving feminism, politics and form
The second part moves beyond functional roles to present textiles as instruments for critical reflection and formal experimentation.
Featuring contemporary artists such as Esther Ferrer, Elena del Rivero, Narelle Jubelin, Elo Vega, and Yto Barrada, this section examines the political, social, and symbolic dimensions of weaving.
It highlights the revival of textile art driven by feminist perspectives, transforming woven works into conceptual spaces for historical and artistic dialogue.
Institutional heritage beyond balance sheets
Public displays of central bank collections offer a rare window into institutional cultural stewardship.
By framing textiles through feminist and political lenses, the central bank avoids a dry presentation of its heritage.
This initiative successfully bridges historic craftsmanship with contemporary critical discourse.