Reading up on the white elephant of Compostela - City of Culture of Galicia

[Satírico]

Greetings,

I am curious about something.

Whilst doing a little camino-centred internet browsing lately, I came across an erudite thesis that makes reference to a €400m City of Culture of Galicia venue in Santiago de Compostela; an edifice built during Spain's economic boom and apparently a dismal failure.

I was wondering, does this building still exist? Where exactly is it, or was it? Has anyone made a detour to view the site? What becomes of a giant, lonely, expensive, headache-grey 'white elephant'?

Phil

 

[mspath]

Yes, it still exists.

The City of Culture complex in Santiago de Compostela was designed by New York architect Peter Eisenman. Since it's first conception in 1999 the project has passed through a great many philosophical and physical changes. For Eisenman the idea of a museum/archive implied both a container and its content; nearby hills were echoed in the giant curves of his design. Since it is "off the beaten track" many pilgrims/tourists are unaware that the complex does exist.

Read more about it in its current web.
http://www.cidadedacultura.gal/

See also this earlier 2015 Forum thread.
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...osition-march-13th-september-13th-2015.31969/

 

[donalomahony]

View of City of Culture from near Albergue Seminario Menor

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

Greetings,

I am curious about something.

Whilst doing a little camino-centred internet browsing lately, I came across an erudite thesis that makes reference to a €400m City of Culture of Galicia venue in Santiago de Compostela; an edifice built during Spain's economic boom and apparently a dismal failure.

I was wondering, does this building still exist? Where exactly is it, or was it? Has anyone made a detour to view the site? What becomes of a giant, lonely, expensive, headache-grey 'white elephant'?

Phil

can't miss as you walk in on the french Camino, look kto your left up on the hill just before you hit Rúa San Pedro. more than an edifice, it's a pharaonic complex that includes exhibition venues, Galicia's national library etc.

and yes, when(if) you make it, it will feel unfinished and a bit disturbing. not many buses go up there and it's a long walk

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I was wondering, does this building still exist? Where exactly is it, or was it?

The City of Culture is located at the center of this map. Monte de Gozo is at the top right. You can play with Google Street View.
https://mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=42.870162,-8.525670&z=14&t=h

 

[TaijiPilgrim]

Greetings,

I am curious about something.

Whilst doing a little camino-centred internet browsing lately, I came across an erudite thesis that makes reference to a €400m City of Culture of Galicia venue in Santiago de Compostela; an edifice built during Spain's economic boom and apparently a dismal failure.

I was wondering, does this building still exist? Where exactly is it, or was it? Has anyone made a detour to view the site? What becomes of a giant, lonely, expensive, headache-grey 'white elephant'?

Phil

In spring 2015, there was an exhibit on the Camino and pilgrims located there. My friend saw the advertisement and wanted to see it. Even with the ad to show, no one, including taxi drivers, seemed to know how to get there. The tourist info told us which bus to take, but not the correct bus stop. It took us at least 3 hours to find the bus, and then it broke down! When we finally got there, we were struck by the architecture and massive size - and its emptiness. The exhibit was well done, but we had to watch the time because the bus only came once an hour!

 

[Albertagirl]

In spring 2015, there was an exhibit on the Camino and pilgrims located there. My friend saw the advertisement and wanted to see it. Even with the ad to show, no one, including taxi drivers, seemed to know how to get there. The tourist info told us which bus to take, but not the correct bus stop. It took us at least 3 hours to find the bus, and then it broke down! When we finally got there, we were struck by the architecture and massive size - and its emptiness. The exhibit was well done, but we had to watch the time because the bus only came once an hour!

@TaijiPilgrim
As far as I can figure out from its website, it is a white elephant, housing only temporary exhibits and only in the summer. There is nothing else planned after this summer's exhibit ends on Sept. 11. As with last year, that will be about two months before I reach Santiago. Guided tours of the complex are given in English and other languages. If you are interested in the architecture or in what you can see of the archives of Galicia, which are housed there, it would be worth the effort to get there. Otherwise, consider whether the current exhibit on the clothing of Galicia interests you and whether you can see it before it packs up for the end of summer on September.