In the small town of Irurre, located in the Tierras de Iranzu region of Navarrethere is a unique corner that combines art and nature in perfect harmony: the Henri Lenaerts Open-Air Sculpture Museum.
This museum, named after the famous Belgian sculptor Henri Lenaertsoffers its visitors a unique experience, allowing them to explore a natural landscape adorned with sculptures that reflect the artist’s vision and talent.
Henri Lenaerts, born in Belgium in 1923, was a renowned artist who found in Navarre a place to express yourself freely. After an artistic and academic career in Europe and extensive training in Hindu philosophy during his travels in India, Lenaerts settled in Irurre in the 1980s.
Fascinated by the tranquility and beauty of the Navarrese environment, the sculptor decided to make this space his home and, over time, a center of artistic creation. When he died in 2006, he left a legacy carefully preserved in this open-air museum.
The open-air sculpture museum has a wide range Lenaerts sculpture collectionmade of various materials such as stone, bronze and wood. These pieces are distributed along a route that invites the visitor to discover the works in a natural environment, creating an experience that goes beyond artistic contemplation. Each sculpture seems to dialogue with the landscape, integrating itself in such a way that It allows the visitor to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of peace and reflection.
THE works of Lenaerts They are characterized by a style that fuses realism with abstract elements, reflecting the influence of spirituality and Eastern philosophy that he acquired during his travels in India. Many of his sculptures depict human figures in meditative or introspective poses and seek to convey a feeling of calm and balance.
This approach perfectly complements Irurre’s natural environment, allowing visitors to experience a special connection between art and nature.
In addition to the open-air museum, visitors can access the Henri Lenaerts Centerwhich serves as a house museum. In this space, additional works by the artist are displayed and information about his life and creative process is offered. The center also organizes cultural activities, such as workshops, temporary exhibitions and guided tours that They seek to continue Lenaerts’ legacy and bring the public closer to art in an accessible and participatory way.
The museum has become a popular destination with tourists and local residentsespecially for those interested in contemporary art and sculpture. The outdoor visit allows not only to enjoy the works themselves, but also the tranquility of the Navarrese landscape, transforming the visit into a complete experience that combines art, culture and nature.
Visit the Henri Lenaerts Open Air Sculpture Museum It is the opportunity to enter the creative world of an artist who, although of Belgian origin, has made Navarra his homeland and his source of inspiration. This museum is a hidden gem of Irurre, ideal for those looking for a destination outside the usual tourist circuits, where art is presented in its purest state and in communion with the environment.
In addition to its artistic wealth, the museum is located in a region that offers other activities and tourist attractions. The visit to the museum can be completed by hiking trails in the Lands of Iranzu, discover the biodiversity and landscapes of the territory.
This outdoor art space is a tribute to life and work of Henri Lenaertsan artist who found a place in Navarra to express his vision and whose legacy lives on through this museum.
Public opening hours are Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and there are two types of visits:
- In the garden: maximum 18 people in 3 teams from 11 a.m. in the morning at 2 p.m. 5€
- Towards the House Museum and Garden: Maximum 6 people from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. €8
