In the heart of the Ayala Valley, the hotel-restaurant Arcos de Quejana has consolidated its unique cultural offering with the opening of La Robleda de los Sueños on May 28, 2021. This innovative open-air museum is the only one in the country that brings together the work of 29 nationally and internationally renowned painters on the bark of its oak trees, creating a space where art merges with nature and social awareness.
A dream born from art and philanthropy
Arcos de Quejana’s vision has always sought to go beyond the hospitality industry. Over the years, the 17th-century palace that houses the restaurant has been enriched with a remarkable collection of paintings by artists such as José María Pinto and Juan Echegoien, also hosting temporary exhibitions, performances, and master classes.
Arcos de Quejana’s connection with art transcends its walls. Outside, the “Homage to Japan” mural and the large “Flower of Life” fountain-sculpture are testament to its charitable dimension, both conceived after the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan’s east coast in 2011. The 17.50 x 2.10 m mural was made with carved and painted railroad ties, summarizing the phases of Japanese history: Civilization, Progress, Nature, and Chaos. The “Flower of Life,” a 6 m tall Corten steel fountain-sculpture, symbolizes the resurgence of life and hope.
“The Oak Grove of Dreams”: 29 oak trees, 29 artists, 29 causes
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Arcos de Quejana in 2020, the organization conceived “The Oak Grove of Dreams.” The original project included 25 oak trees, 25 painters, and 25 charities, a number that has since been expanded. Each of the 29 oak trees has been painted by an artist, capturing their design, style, and motifs, and each work is linked to a non-governmental organization.
The project has had the essential support of Sonia García, curator of the project, and the painter José María Pinto, who brought together the 29 participating artists.
The creators of these dreams are internationally renowned painters, whose works have won more than 1,500 awards and are exhibited in galleries, museums, and private collections around the world. Their careers combine diverse forms of expression, themes, and styles, each maintaining its own artistic identity, which enriches the oak grove as a whole.
Participating artists include José Abel, Teresa Ahedo, Eduardo Alsasua, Pilar Álvarez, José Miguel Arranz, Martín Ballesteros, Luis Candaudap, Iñaki García Ergüin, Leticia Gaspar, José Antonio Fiestas, Juan Humaran, Teresa Lafragua, Jon Landa, Miren Manterola, Jon Mao, Carmen Mateos, José Manuel Méndez “Mendo,” Ramón Pérez, José María Pinto, Porrilló, Aitor Rentería, José Reyes, Richard, Leire Sainz de Aja, Justo San Felices, Ana Schmidt, Guillermo Sedano, Jesús Susilla, and Fernando Ureta.
A Forest with a Social Conscience
The solidarity dimension is a fundamental pillar of “The Oak Grove of Dreams.” Each of the 29 paintings is linked to a charitable organization or foundation, adding social value to the forest. These organizations, of a diverse nature—from illness and immigration to addiction and international humanitarian efforts—work selflessly to make this a better world.
Arcos de Quejana has thus established itself as a multifaceted space: a charming hotel in a privileged natural setting, a culinary temple, an art gallery, an open-air art gallery, and now, a solidarity forest full of dreams.
Visiting Hours
- Monday to Friday until 4:30 PM
- Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays until 6:00 PM
* Prior reservation recommended
Rates
- Non-guided tour for adults: €5 (VAT included)
- Non-guided tour for young people (10-18 years): €2.50 (VAT included)
- Guided tours for adults: €10 / person (VAT included)
- Guided tours for young people (10-18 years): €5 / person (VAT included)
- Children (up to 10 years): Free
- Groups (minimum 10 people): Consult
Location and contact
- Kexaa Entitatea, 30, 01477, Quejana
- Tel. 945 399 320
- info@arcosdequejana.com
- www.arcosdequejana.com
