ALEXANDRIA, LOUISIANA.- The Alexandria Museum of Art will present "The Heart of Spain," a breathtaking exhibit on loan to the Alexandria Museum by special arrangement from cultural institutions of Spain. The Heart of Spain, offers some of the greatest of these works. The Heart of Spain inspires and nourishes us, and comes at a time when we understand what it means to reveal one’s heart. Central Louisiana has been called "Louisiana’s Heart." It is the perfect place to showcase this magnificent exhibit of religious antiquities on special loan to the Alexandria Museum of Art during the state’s yearlong celebration of the Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial. Central Louisiana’s twin cities -- Alexandria and Pineville -- are located on the banks of the Red River, halfway between north and south, halfway between east and west. Along a crossroads, this region of the state provides the chance to move at a slower pace, catch one’s second wind, and discover what good things come in Louisiana’s well-traveled, smaller packages.

Divine inspiration surely guided the hands of Goya, El Greco, Murillo and others as they created some of the world’s most precious art, capturing the centuries of Spain’s many religions and expressions of worship.

Once -- and only once -- will the world have an opportunity to see these priceless creations in one place, for when our exhibition ends, Spain’s finest religious artworks will disperse to the many monasteries, convents, palaces and museums from whence they came.

The Heart of Spain allows us to behold a thousand years of Spanish artistic genius in a single, historic event. So come to the heart of Louisiana for a few days to celebrate our Spanish beginnings, and to experience The Heart of Spain. These paintings, tapestries, sculptures, jewelry and ancient symbols of faith will touch your heart and, perhaps, change your very soul.