Torner’s space in the Gothic church of San Pablo

Cuenca, Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha.
Special mention / Diploma in the category Conservation / Conservation and adaptive reuse in the year 2006.

Dating of the building: 16th and 20th century.

Applicant: Ángela García de Paredes.

Reason for the award :

For the adaptation of a desacralized church into a modern contemporary art space in which the works on display and the architectural space naturally contradict and enhance each other.

  • Projekt: Espacio Torner Architekten: Paredes, Pedrosa
  • Projekt: Espacio Torner Architekten: Paredes, Pedrosa

The Torner space is a daring commitment to contemporary art in a church, which does not undermine the Gothic beauty of its ribbed vaults but rather revalues them.

Torner’s space was installed in the church of San Pablo in Cuenca between 2003 and 2005. The object of this permanent installation is the viewing of some thirty works by the Cuenca artist, one of the founders of the Museum of Abstract Art of Cuenca. Before setting up the permanent exhibition, this desecrated temple had been functioning for years as a concert hall. The church naturally welcomes the work of Gustavo Torner, well suited to its austere Gothic architecture. From the outside, the reform is only suggested through the revolving glass door, which opens onto the access balcony over the impressive gorge of the Huécar river. The setting up of the collection respects the purity of the pre-existing church and at the same time highlights Torner’s work. Previous restoration work is hardly noticeable. The installations are located on a new and elegant stone floor, while the new stained glass windows introduce an amber light into the interior, enhanced by the golden light that the exhibitors reflect on the vaults.

Others awards in Castilla-La Mancha: