A Barcelona museum threw open its doors to nudists on Saturday, offering those willing to ditch their clothes an au naturel tour of the art gallery. The Museum of Archaeology of Catalonia held the 90-minute tour in collaboration with the Catalan Naturism Club, with the participants able to stroll through the galleries in a more ‘natural’ state, viewing different works of art from a unique perspective. The event focused on the Bronzes of Riace exhibition, showing Luigi Spina’s photographs depicting two giant Greek bronze statues of naked warriors from the 5th century BC discovered in 1972 near Riace, Italy.
The exhibits feature two male figures with beards, each in a standing pose and holding a shield (which has yet to survive) and a spear or lance. Spina’s photos elicit an evocative sense of naturism, with the warriors seeming to embody the concept of self-awareness and body image. The museum’s nudist experience will enable visitors to feel closer to the sculptures, making the exhibit more relatable.
As the number of nudists increases, so does the demand for more places where they can go to explore their natural side without feeling discriminated against or judged. In Spain, for example, the tourism industry has been working to encourage naturism on its beaches. Its efforts include beefing up signage and a public awareness campaign. However, a nudist association has asked the Catalan government to address what it describes as discrimination against its members.
The Museum of Archaeology of Catalonia’s nudist tour has been curated by art historian, actress, and dramatist Irene Vicentes Salas. She told Spanish newspaper El Pais that the experience has been “extraordinary,” and she felt a connection with the statues in an entirely new way. She also said that when viewing the statues stripped down, you understand that nudity has always been present and should not be hidden.
Those interested in attending the nudist tour can do so for EUR7, but seating is limited. You can find out more about it on the museum’s website. The experience lasts until December 31, and the museum suggests you arrive wearing only shoes to avoid rubbing against other visitors’ clothing. To be a part of the experience, you must undress and deposit your belongings in a locker before entering the gallery. It is recommended that you bring a towel with you. The museum will be open for the experience from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. It is not recommended for people who are very nervous about being naked in front of others or with children under the age of 18. You can read more about the exhibition and the history of the bronzes on its website. It’s not the first time a museum has hosted such an activity, but it is becoming more commonplace. A museum in Japan and a US art gallery are currently holding similar events. Is this type of experience suitable for the museum sector?