Anton Museum of Sculpture

Latitude: 43.5928421 Length: -5.7635522
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It is located in a big house eighteenth century, surrounded by a large garden in which we can take a rewarding walk among sculptures of all conditions. We approach a strange troll, almost an ogre, shaggy, who with great self-confidence holds one of the Candassian symbols: the sardine. We are startled by a huge face lying on the ground, a monumental face like those of Easter Island. And if we look at the sea, between us and the horizon, an abstract, cubic figure of geometric calm rises. Everything in this garden has a meaning, a name and a surname, a sculptor to discover.

But neither should we be obsessed with canons, because although in all ages the theory and practice of proportions have been of great interest, legitimate transgressions have also been allowed to overcome theories and practices. The Anton Museum, is a showcase of currents. The center is dedicated to the figure of the sculptor Antonio Rodríguez García «Antón» (1911-1937), a self-taught artist who died young and left an important mark as an artist throughout the Principality with works such as "Arrapiezo dormido", "Rapacina" or "La Marinera". The sculptor's heirs donated to the City Council not only sculptures but also paintings, drawings, work tools and all kinds of documents with which to illustrate his short but intense career. Most of the surface of the first floor, a very open and bright room, is intended for the permanent exhibition of Antón's work. The temporary exhibitions round out the attraction of this center, with contemporary art exhibitions in which leading artists from the national scene have already participated. Furthermore, the Museum is constantly concerned with increasing its national prestige, with fondos, both in artistic and documentary pieces, of a more than remarkable value. Paintings, photographs, engravings, sculptures from donations, deposits and purchases. He has been creating a collection of great interest, which today allows him to boast of contemporary art center.

Since its opening in the late 80s, the Museo Antón has presented a number of exhibitions, many of them self-produced. It also has a specialized library and a documentation center on Asturian artists. In its desire to be a center-engine of art in Asturias, annually summons two scholarships, called «Antón Scholarships», with the intention of supporting, stimulating and encourage creation and research around sculpture.

Museo Antón opening hours

October to May: Tuesday to Friday, from 17.30 pm to 19.30 pm; Saturdays and Sundays, from 12 a.m. to 14 p.m. and from 17.30 p.m. to 19.30 p.m.
June to September: Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 a.m. to 14 p.m. and from 18 p.m. to 21 p.m.
· Guided tours and educational activities. Even outside these hours, by prior arrangement.

Museum closure: Monday and December 24, 25 and 31, January 1 and 6.

· Free entrance.

Source: Antón de Candás Museum.