The project started in 2008 when the University of Navarra receives the grant from the contemporary art collection of Maria Josefa Huarte Beaumont. The Museum will house this collection not only of art but also the Photographic Collection, the University has since 1990 (legacy of Jose Ortiz-Echagüe), which has expanded over the years with new donations and acquisitions. The photography collection at the University of Navarra is one of the most extensive collections and interest of our country, with over 10,000 photographs and 100,000 negatives.
The museum consists of 11,000 square meters, of which 2,700 will be exhibition halls. The other major area of the site forms the auditorium, with capacity for 700 spectators and a good level of stage equipment. The realization of the museum, 11,000 square meters, representing a total investment of 25 M €.
It is not the first time Moneo works in Navarra. The Royal Archive project, the reform of the bullring, the Plaza de los Fueros, are some of his previous projects. To explain the origin of the project, Moneo says his known connection with the whole family Huarte, who comes from afar. "I knew very closely Felix Huarte, very important in the history of construction in Spain since the years of the Republic. He liked to show off the quality of concrete. His four children (Jesus, John, Maria Josefa and Philip) continued with business as well as making their own art collections. But maybe her's collection, Maria Josefa, is the most special. "