Carmen Thyssen Seeks Consensus for Barcelona Museum Project, Aims for 2028 Opening
Barcelona, February 26 – Carmen Thyssen has expressed her willingness to adapt the architectural design of her future museum in Barcelona, aiming for a 2028 opening. The baronesa is actively engaging with the Barcelona City Council and opposition parties to ensure the project aligns with the city’s aesthetic and cultural values, she stated in an interview with EL PERIÓDICO.
The transformation of Palau Marcet on Passeig de Gràcia, formerly the Comèdia cinema, into the Carmen Thyssen Museum has sparked considerable debate. The project, which includes adding height to the historic building, is currently under review by city technicians. The formal architectural proposal, submitted by OUA and Casper Mueller Kneer, is being refined through dialogue with the council to secure approval.
Dialogue and Diplomacy Crucial for Project Approval
Promoters of the museum, the Stoneweg fund and Tita Cervera herself, anticipate that these discussions will yield results within approximately a month. While approval was unlikely before the February plenary session, the team is working towards a potential green light for the property’s expansion during the March 27 session. Carmen Thyssen emphasized her commitment to a collaborative approach, stating, “I want it to adapt to the city and the environment.”
Initial sketches of the project, which showed two large cubic volumes atop the historic building, drew criticism. The revised formal project submitted to the council features a more stylized addition, set back from the facade line. Thyssen acknowledged the council’s initial “reticence” towards the expansion proposal, viewing it as an opportunity for improvement. She welcomes suggestions from the city council and even the opposition, stating, “I am delighted that they show interest, that they advise us and give us their opinion… They can even send me written notes of what they would like!”
Political Support and Community Integration
Given the PSC government’s minority in the plenary, securing broad political support is essential for the urban planning process. Last summer, Junts, PP, and Vox offered initial backing for the building’s renovation, which is crucial for providing sufficient exhibition space. Bcomú and ERC, however, opposed the project.
Thyssen hopes that both the government and opposition will recognize the museum’s potential benefits for Barcelona’s international cultural standing. She noted that “almost all” municipal parties have shown interest in the project, and she is personally available to address their suggestions.
Ambitious Opening and Future Plans
Upon municipal approval, construction would begin, with the museum targeting an opening in the second half of 2028. Thyssen expressed a strong desire for the museum to open “as soon as possible” with an ambitious launch, aiming for a significant impact on the Catalan cultural scene. The promotion team has already begun discussions on how to make a strong first impression.
Regarding the former Comèdia cinema, Thyssen acknowledged her childhood memories of the venue but stated that its cinematic era is over. While the facade and roofs will be preserved, she believes retaining the interior would be a setback, as the space could be utilized for a broader range of exhibits. The promoters have saved the cinema’s seats, which were customized by young artists, and the new museum will feature a 450-person auditorium for its own program of events.
Museum Amenities and Accessibility
Thyssen also envisions a “good art bookstore” within the museum, offering unique art books. Stoneweg has committed to making this a “spectacularly attractive” feature. The museum will also include a restaurant, which Thyssen hopes will be accessible to all, aligning with the museum’s philosophy of making art available to a wide audience, despite its location amidst luxury establishments on Passeig de Gràcia.
The Carmen Thyssen Museum aims to be a significant cultural addition to Barcelona, fostering art appreciation and contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural landscape through a collaborative and community-focused approach.
