A Coruña Fine Arts Museum

Description

The design project for the Museum of Fine Arts of A Coruña, which won the National Architecture Prize, seamlessly integrates parts of an existing 18th-century convent on the site. Notably, it has preserved parts of the valuable artistic and historical work of Fernando de Casas Novoa. The innovative structure builds on its predecessor and initiates a mutually beneficial conversation. Gallego Jorreto sees the museum as a civic platform that provides a coherent link between the historic urban fabric and the emerging cityscape.  The new building is designed around a cubic structure located on the site of the former convent cloister. It is lit from above, which enhances its aesthetic appeal. The new extension is subtly separated from the main body of the original building, creating an integrated circulation gallery. This arrangement unifies the two structures and establishes a relationship with the surrounding urban environment. The museum is accessed through a square entrance, characterised by lintelled porticoes. As intended by its architect, the building offers visitors a smooth and seamless transition from the hustle and bustle of the city to its tranquil interiors. The scale and materials of the intervention are in harmony with the true nature of the site. The atmosphere of the space, delicately controlled by light, prepares the visitor for a personal engagement with the works of art. Although they come from the past, these works continue to evoke feelings and convey meaning in the present. The extraordinary architecture of Gallego Jorreto is the perfect backdrop for this wondrous experience.