The convent of Santa Clara (which seen from the outside presents itself with a large granite perimeter wall that delimits the convent complex and its outdoor spaces, isolating the historic site from its urban environment), is the result of the process of constant transformations carried out since the origins of its foundation in the 13th century. The changes have been made throughout its 750 years of history, including extensions built between the 16th and 20th centuries.
The proposal put forward by Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos opens a new entrance in the south wall, connecting the new museum and its gardens with the city. Facing this opening, an access pavilion is formalized as a wide canopy located in the axis of the cloister, announcing to the visitors the new public condition of the complex.
Rendering exterior view of the Pontevedra Museum by Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos.
The former convent will be restored and renovated respecting its original architecture, and the hitherto incomplete cloister will become the heart of the museum and the archaeological center that will be built partially underground.
Nieto Sobejano's project offers a large public space hitherto unknown to the majority of the inhabitants of Pontevedra. The landscape proposal integrates the architectural traces that have survived to this day in a garden for the enjoyment of all citizens.
The new museum and archaeological center, with a total area of 7,000 m², transforms the opacity of the old religious site into an open and contemporary space in dialogue with history.
The proposal put forward by Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos opens a new entrance in the south wall, connecting the new museum and its gardens with the city. Facing this opening, an access pavilion is formalized as a wide canopy located in the axis of the cloister, announcing to the visitors the new public condition of the complex.
Rendering exterior view of the Pontevedra Museum by Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos.
The former convent will be restored and renovated respecting its original architecture, and the hitherto incomplete cloister will become the heart of the museum and the archaeological center that will be built partially underground.
Nieto Sobejano's project offers a large public space hitherto unknown to the majority of the inhabitants of Pontevedra. The landscape proposal integrates the architectural traces that have survived to this day in a garden for the enjoyment of all citizens.
The new museum and archaeological center, with a total area of 7,000 m², transforms the opacity of the old religious site into an open and contemporary space in dialogue with history.
