Supporting the National Gallery’s Landmark Zurbarán Exhibition

   
Photo by- Ben Fisher  

The exhibition, opening on 2 May and running until 23 August 2026 at the National Gallery, will bring together nearly 50 masterpieces by the Spanish Golden Age artist - the largest collection ever assembled in the UK.

Founded in 1901, Iberdrola has a long-standing tradition of supporting arts, culture and heritage alongside its global leadership in sustainable energy. It is running a global programme of events and activity as it celebrates 125 years since its inception.

Senior representatives from across the Iberdrola Group attended the exhibition launch at the National Gallery this week, including Ignacio Galán, our Chairman and Executive Chairman of Iberdrola, and our Chief Executive, Keith Anderson.

 

Still life with lemons in a wicker basket by Zurbaran 

Ignacio Galán said: “In our 125th year we are honoured to help showcase in the UK one of the most celebrated painters of the 17th century. Culture and energy share a common purpose – they both illuminate lives and inspire progress. Our commitment to the arts reflects our dedication to preserving heritage and creativity. As a global business with roots in Spain, proudly working in partnership with the UK for two decades, it is fitting to support the National Gallery to bring Zurbarán to the UK for the first time in 30 years.”

Keith Anderson added: “We’re delighted to support the National Gallery to bring this extraordinary exhibition to the UK. We’re proud to support an exhibition of this scale and significance, helping make world‑class culture accessible to UK audiences and the communities we serve.”

Along with Diego Velázquez (1599–1660) and Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1617–1682), Zurbarán (1598–1664) was one of the leading painters of 17th-century Spain. His paintings, which include stunning life-size depictions of saints, soaring altarpieces and contemplative still lifes, are celebrated for their naturalism, directness and deep emotional power.

The exhibition features exceptional loans from international collections including the Musée du Louvre in Paris, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museo del Prado in Madrid, alongside key works from the National Gallery.

While individual works by Zurbarán have previously been shown in the UK, this exhibition marks the first time such a comprehensive presentation of his work has been brought together for UK audiences, offering an unprecedented insight into his artistic career and legacy.

The exhibition has been developed in collaboration with international museum partners and will travel to Paris and Chicago following its London run.