Celebreting 40 years of history with a major exhibition dedicated to Miquel Cabanas

On Wednesday, 13 May, we experienced one of the most memorable openings in Sala Rusiñol’s history as we celebrated the gallery’s 40th anniversary. The occasion brought together artists, collectors, friends of the gallery, and numerous figures from the cultural and institutional spheres to mark four decades of commitment to the promotion of art and to inaugurate an exceptional exhibition dedicated to Miquel Cabanas i Alibau, one of the most representative painters of Sant Cugat.

The exhibition pays tribute to an artist whose career has been closely linked to the history of Sala Rusiñol. Since 1987, Miquel Cabanas took part in numerous exhibitions and landmark events at the gallery, forging both an artistic and personal relationship that is now celebrated through a carefully selected collection of works, including previously unseen paintings being exhibited to the public for the very first time.

One of the highlights of the opening was the presentation of a new book dedicated to Miquel Cabanas, a publication that traces his life and artistic career while offering a deeper understanding of his creative universe and the legacy he has left to Catalan culture. The book represents an important contribution to preserving and promoting the work of an artist who transformed landscapes, still lifes, and everyday moments into paintings of remarkable sensitivity, spirituality, and authenticity.

Thanks to the collaboration agreement between Joventuts Musicals de Sant Cugat and the Fundació Conservatori del Liceu, the opening also featured a special musical performance by a blues trio comprising Toni Marí on electric guitar, Gaspar Nogales on double bass, and Juan Salamero on alto saxophone. Their performance brought warmth and elegance to the evening, enriching a celebration that brought together art, music, and culture in a truly memorable setting.

The event was attended by the Mayor of Sant Cugat, Josep M. Vallès, accompanied by Councillor Cristina Paraira, who joined us in this very special celebration. On behalf of the Sant Cugat City Council, they presented Sala Rusiñol with a commemorative plaque in recognition of the gallery’s 40-year history and its role as a leading institution in the promotion, dissemination, and preservation of art in the city. The gesture was rich in symbolism, acknowledging four decades of dedication to artists and to culture.

The opening also brought together many of the artists who have been part of Sala Rusiñol’s history, turning the evening into an emotional reunion filled with shared memories, recognition, and celebration. It was an opportunity to reflect on the journey of the past forty years while looking ahead to the future with enthusiasm and optimism..

With this exhibition, Sala Rusiñol not only commemorates four decades of history but also reaffirms its commitment to culture and to the artists who have helped shape its identity. At the same time, it pays tribute to Miquel Cabanas, an artist who transformed everyday life into poetry and whose work continues to move generations of visitors through its remarkable humanity.

The exhibition will remain on view over the coming weeks, offering a unique opportunity to discover—or rediscover—the legacy of an essential artist while celebrating the fortieth anniversary of a gallery that has become one of Sant Cugat’s foremost artistic landmarks.

Below, we share a selection of photographs from the opening:

You can also watch the full opening event, streamed live on Instagram Live:

And don’t miss the special feature that TV Sant Cugat dedicated to this memorable occasion.: