COLOME, SALTA.- The new James Turrell Museum of the Hess Art Collection celebrated its opening on April 22, 2009 in Colomé (Salta Province), Argentina. The museum is the only one worldwide dedicated specifically to the work of James Turrell, who is regarded as one of the most important contemporary light and space artists.

For the first time ever, nine light installations representing five decades of Turrell's career are showcased together over 18,084 square feet (1.680 m2) of exhibition space. Among the works on display are "Spread 2003", a 4,000-square-foot walk-in environment of blue light, as well as "Unseen Blue 2002", the world's largest Skyspace.The permanent exhibition is further supplemented by numerous works on paper, drawings and prints.

All of the exhibited artworks belong to the Hess Art Collection. The Swiss businessman and wine-producer, Donald M. Hess, is one of the world's major collectors of contemporary art. His impressive collection spans five decades of recent art history from Abstract Expressionism through current positions. It contains over 1,000 pieces by 65 international artists including Magdalena Abakanowicz, Francis Bacon, Georg Baselitz, Gilbert & George, Franz Gertsch, Andy Goldsworthy, Robert Motherwell, Yue Minjun, Shigeo Toya, Gerhard Richter, Frank Stella, James Turrell and Ouattara Watts, among others.

At a height of 7,546 feet (2.300 m) above sea level, the Bodega & Estancia Colomé offers visitors breathtaking views of the wide Andean highlands and the vineyards of the Hess Family Estates. Argentina's insider tip for art and wine lovers, the resort commands nine comfortable suites, all individually furnished, a fragrant landscaped garden, a swimming pool and a wellness program that offers various massages. Terraces, courtyards and lounges guarantee relaxation and savoir-vivre.