The architect who made Ibiza his canvas
Hello, art and architecture lovers! We present to you the story of Erwin Broner, a genius who left his mark on the magical island of Ibiza. So get ready to dive into a tale full of creativity, love and, of course, a touch of artistic madness. Here we go!
Erwin Broner (1898-1971)
Munich to Ibiza: A Trip Without Suitcases
Born in 1898 in Munich, into a Jewish family that didn’t know what the word “boredom” was. Surrounded by art, culture and a host of tutors who taught him everything from how to play the cello to best practices in painting. But the rise of Nazism was coming and Erwin didn’t want to stay. So, after a brief tour of the continent, he decided to stop in Ibiza to explore the…
Ibiza: Love at First Sight
Broner arrived on the island in 1933 and, like many of us after the first sunset, fell madly in love with Ibiza. He decided to make this place his home and not only that, but he dedicated himself to studying its traditional architecture, building dreams in the form of houses!
Flirting with War and Love in Palestine
With the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, Broner undertook a new journey to Palestine, where he fell under the spell of Bella Ullman, who would become his second wife. Love in difficult times… Who knew it could be so inspiring!
Returning to the Island: The Golden Age of the 50’s
After a break in America and a lot of fascinating experiences in photography and cinema (a true all-rounder), in 1952, our friend Erwin decided to return to the island that stole his heart. He settled in Sa Penya, with Erwin Bechtold, Bob Thompson, among others, founded the Ibiza 59 group. It was the perfect time to mix art and architecture, creating a vibrant cultural environment.
And speaking of legacy, his own house is a masterpiece! Designed in 1960, it’s as if every corner and every piece of furniture has a story. And you’ll be thinking, “A house with a soul?” ¡Yes, it does! Historically, Broner’s house has become an artistic landmark that reflects the island’s rich cultural tradition and has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC). It’s like an art gallery, but with the comfort of a cup of coffee in your hand!
The Broner House: A Sanctuary of Art
Today, in the neighborhood of Dalt Vila, the Broner House functions as a museum that tells its story. Passing through its rooms is like entering a chapter of a captivating book, where traditional details meet modernity. From sabina beams to stone walls, every corner breathes history and creativity.
The Legacy of Erwin Broner: More Alive Than Ever
And not only that. His legacy lives on through other constructions on the island and in projects that promote culture and art, such as the “Estudi Tur Costa”, a space that honors his work while nurturing new artistic currents. Thanks to the vision and passion of artists like Rafael Tur and his wife Anneliese, Broner’s spirit continues to resonate in the heart of Ibiza.
So, the next time you stroll through the sunny streets of Ibiza, remember that behind every house and every corner, there is a piece of Erwin Broner’s ingenuity, an architect who not only built houses, but created a world where tradition and modernity dance to the rhythm of the Mediterranean waves.
Photographs
Eivissa Town Hall.
Gisela Broner Archive.
Group ibiza 59 book Passat i Present.
Museum of Contemporary Art of Ibiza (MACE).
Lourdes Grivé.
