Galician Center of Contemporary Art, Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Related person

Timothy H. Crowther (was created by)

Date

Project inception: 1986; Completion: 1995

Description

Centro Galego de Arte Contemporanea (Galician Center of Contemporary Arts) is situated in "one of the most evocative and symbolic areas of Santiago's monumental zone: at the limits of the old town, beside the gate through which the pilgrims' route known as the French Way enters the city (Santiago de Compostela lies at the end of the pilgrimage route, Camino de Santiago-- Way of Saint James)." Also, immediately adjacent to the museum are the historic Convent of San Domingos de Bonaval and its park. "Siza's building reflects his admiration for Rationalism and the Modernist movement, and at the same time his own personal vision of architecture and space. Line, light and volume combine to produce an architecture that is both austere and serene. Stone is used, linking with tradition and setting up a dialogue with the surrounding buildings, in an expression of respect for the sense of history that pervades Santiago. The building centres on a single long axis, its inner spaces opening out along this axis like the leaves of a fan. Externally, it is bounded by high walls; yet the inside is flooded with light. The main entrance hall leads to the exhibition rooms, the auditorium and the library. The upper terrace reveals the building's plan, and offers magnificent views of Santiago's old quarter, giving the visitor a clear insight into the architect's strategy for integrating the building with its surroundings." All quotes from CGAC website: http://www.cgac.org/eng/edificio/default.html Keywords: Spain, A Coruna, Santiago de Compostela, Centro Galego de Arte Contemporanea, Galician Center for Contemporary Arts. Submitted by Timothy Crowther, recipient of the 2005 Whitaker Travelling Fellowship. 2005.

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