The old Parque Cultural Viera y Clavijo in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is once again set to play a leading role in the cultural life of the capital. The city council has adjusted the restoration project so that the future CaixaForum Tenerife, the historic main building, the new Auditorio Pérez Minik and the surrounding outdoor areas can be developed as one coherent whole.
One major cultural project
For many residents and regular visitors to Santa Cruz, Viera y Clavijo is more than just a large building with gardens. The former Colegio de La Asunción is one of the city’s most recognisable historic landmarks. However, its renovation has faced delays in recent years. In particular, the relationship between the protected heritage site, the existing Pérez Minik theatre and the new cultural plans caused debate. Now, an important step appears to have been taken towards resolving that issue.
Under the new approach, the works will no longer be regarded as separate interventions, but as parts of one larger cultural project. This means that access, internal connections, the auditorium, the gardens and future activities should all fit together more effectively. As a result, the complex should become more accessible, clearer in layout and better suited to larger cultural events.
Meeting place for residents
An important element is the arrival of CaixaForum Tenerife. This will be the first branch of the CaixaForum network in the Canary Islands. Anyone familiar with the centres in other Spanish cities will know that they usually offer a wide-ranging programme: exhibitions, lectures, music, workshops, film, science and educational activities. For Santa Cruz, this could therefore mean more than simply the opening of a new museum-like building. It could become a meeting place for residents, families, schools, artists and visitors who want to discover Tenerife in a different way.
The Auditorio Pérez Minik will also gain a new place within the overall complex. The current plans include a project named Nuevo Teatro Pérez Minik y áreas exteriores anexas. With this, the city aims to create a modern space that better meets the cultural needs of the coming decades. Earlier, the Cabildo of Tenerife indicated that the possible demolition of the current Pérez Minik would not necessarily affect the protected values of the historic complex. This paved the way for a new phase in the decision-making process.
The park as a cultural centre
Work on Viera y Clavijo originally began in 2020, under the direction of architect Fernando Menis. The now-approved design change should better align the renovation with the technical requirements of CaixaForum and with the broader purpose of the park as a cultural centre. At the same time, the municipality continues to work on adapting the special urban planning scheme for the park.
For visitors who like to discover Tenerife beyond its well-known beaches, this is a development worth following. If everything goes according to plan, Santa Cruz will gain a new cultural attraction in a place full of history. Viera y Clavijo could thus become one of the most interesting addresses for anyone wishing to combine art, heritage and city life during a visit to Tenerife.
Photo: AI ChatGPT
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