Museum Ciriza Oteiza
The new open-air Museum and Sculpture Park in Estella will be designed by mrm arquitectos and built on a 16,000 m² site owned by the Order of the Capuchin Fathers, located along the Way of St James.
This new institution of the Capuchin Fathers will house works by the artists Oteiza and Ciriza, and its museum mission will focus on the exhibition, study, research, understanding and dissemination of their work. The museum will feature a permanent exhibition as well as temporary exhibitions of selected works.
The museum's activities will be complemented by an ongoing cultural programme including educational programmes, lectures, discussions, literary evenings, courses, concerts, gatherings and art workshops.
The future Museum will introduce the public to the work of these two renowned artists with close ties to the Capuchin Order and to Estella, Antonio Oteiza and Carlos Ciriza. Through contemporary art, it will promote culture and humanist thought, bringing them closer to the public and encouraging interaction. It will also contribute to strengthening personal relationships and ties between countries, while offering a rich experience to visitors and pilgrims who come to or pass by the hostel. In this way, the Museum will become a public service and a privileged platform for the transmission of cultural and universal values.
Universal character
Culture lies at the heart of Europe's rich heritage and history and plays a fundamental role in enhancing the appeal of places and strengthening the unique identity of a particular location. This Museum aims to contribute to the museum landscape of Estella, Navarre and the Way of St James, and therefore with a universal character, through culture and art as fundamental human needs. Perhaps, in circumstances such as these, when we all reflect and look more deeply at what truly matters, art is more necessary than ever: that which is authentic, honest, beautiful, true, transcendent, spiritual and enduringly human... contributing to education and to the building of a more harmonious, cohesive, supportive, thoughtful, serene and mature society.
A privileged setting of peace, spirituality and tranquillity, with the 12th-century Church of Rocamador as a place of culture and history in the chosen location of Estella.
The Capuchin Friars have decided to make a significant investment in the construction of the building, the restoration of the church and the improvement of the surrounding area, generously placing this project at the service of the city of Estella, Navarre and the many pilgrims who pass through the community's hostel each year.
We hope that this news will be of interest to you, and especially to those involved in the worlds of art, culture and tourism.