Sa Bassa Blanca, located near Alcudia on the north-east coast of Mallorca, is a stunning Moorish-style estate surrounded by Mediterranean pines and offering breathtaking views of the sea. As you enter through the grand arched gateway, you are greeted by Ben Jakober and Yannick Vu, the incredible and energetic couple behind the Jakober Foundation, which is both their home and a museum.
Despite their diverse backgrounds (Jakober hails from a Hungarian family with a European upbringing, while Vu grew up in Paris and Saint-Paul-de-Vence as the daughter of a distinguished Vietnamese artist and a French musician), they share a deep passion for art and collecting.
Their journey began in the 1960s, when Jakober became part of the expat artistic community in Mallorca. After retiring from banking, his passion for collecting grew exponentially. The couple started building their home in the 1970s, designing it with a blend of Moorish and Spanish influences. The main house, known as the Hassan Fathy building, features terraces with stunning sea views and a spectacular courtyard-garden inspired by Islamic geometric patterns.
Inside the house, every corner is filled with historic details and a mix of antique and contemporary artworks. The couple’s extensive collection includes pieces from North and sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting their time spent in Morocco. The juxtaposition of these artworks creates a visually captivating experience, with every piece carefully placed to resonate with one another.
The couple’s passions for contemporary Aboriginal art and the Essaouira artists of Morocco are also prominently displayed in the museum. These artistic schools are hung side by side and integrated throughout the space, showcasing the Jakober’s dedication to nurturing and supporting emerging talents.
Beyond the house-museum, Sa Bassa Blanca offers the Sokrates space, a newly built area featuring ethnographic pieces from pre-Columbian, African, Nepalese, and Himalayan cultures. These works are juxtaposed with Western art, creating a captivating dialogue between different artistic traditions.
Throughout the estate, you’ll also find the Jakobers’ own creations, including animal sculptures, megaliths, and found objects, all displayed in the sculpture park that stretches through the olive groves. These installations add a playful touch to the overall ambiance, creating a sense of light-heartedness amidst the themes of mortality that are also present.
Sa Bassa Blanca holds a special place in the hearts of the Jakober family, as it is also a tribute to their late daughter, who tragically passed away at a young age. Another underground gallery houses the Nins collection, which features portraits of children from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Vu’s extensive knowledge of these portraits brings them to life, even though many of the children depicted had short lives. The somber atmosphere is tempered by a whimsical oversized baby’s dummy sculpture created by the couple.
To truly appreciate Sa Bassa Blanca, one must think of it as more than just a museum or a home; it’s a complete work of art, a cabinet of curiosities where every element harmoniously comes together. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday year-round, welcoming visitors to explore and be inspired by its unique treasures. For more information, please visit msbb.org.
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