"The proposal perfectly embodies the Museum's values as a welcoming space serving the public. The relationship it establishes with its surroundings is particularly noteworthy, opening the museum to the city and vice versa.
The proposal acknowledges the Victoria Eugenia Palace building, showcasing its volumetric, spatial, and heritage qualities, and skillfully adapts it to the Museum's evolving needs. The versatility of the spaces, especially the exhibition areas, is a major strength of the proposal, enabling it to address the Museum's current needs and adapt to future ones. Furthermore, the proposal stands out for its configuration and versatility, which will allow it to maximize the visitor experience.
The proposal satisfactorily resolves the identified needs, both in terms of public use and the Museum's operational requirements, and adequately meets the sustainability and efficiency criteria outlined in the competition guidelines."
Jury Statemen
View of the connection between the two buildings from the Forestier promenade. Extension of the MNAC by Harquitectes and Christ & Gantenbein.
The winning proposal by HArquitectes and Christ & Gantenbein conceives of the National Palace and the Victoria Eugenia Palace as a single museum through a covered passageway that connects the spaces, from the entrance hall of the Victoria Eugenia Palace to the interior of the National Palace. The project acknowledges the unique character of the Victoria Eugenia Palace, designed by the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. The expansion and reorganization of the spaces, along with improved access and a closer relationship with the urban fabric, will allow the museum to meet the diverse demands of its use.
The expansion marks the culmination of the founding project of the MNAC's first director, Joaquim Folch i Torres, in 1934, a project that was halted by the Spanish Civil War and the Franco regime. This transformation is part of a broader urban renewal effort that seeks to redefine Montjuïc as a leading cultural hub and leverage the centenary of the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition to drive this structural change.
View of the new entrance to the National Palace. Extension of the MNAC by Harquitectes and Christ & Gantenbein.
The new project also responds to the need to adapt to the challenges of the 21st century, including the challenge of facing the current process of accelerated redefinition of museums around the world.
