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Cultural center · Santiago de Compostela, Galicia
Cidade da Cultura de Galicia
Peter Eisenman cultural complex on Monte Gaiás, with stone buildings that mimic waves, a museum, library and the Archive of Galicia, and views over the city.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cidade da Cultura de Galicia
The Cidade da Cultura de Galicia sits on the summit of Monte Gaiás, about 2 km southeast of Santiago’s center. The project by American architect Peter Eisenman won a competition in 1999. Construction began in 2001 and the first buildings opened in 2011.
Eisenman overlaid the medieval street plan of Santiago, the shape of a scallop shell and a Cartesian grid onto the hill’s topography, producing low, undulating buildings clad in quartzite that appear to emerge from the slope. Two glass towers, the Hejduk Towers, pay tribute to architect John Hejduk, who had designed a proposal for the site before his death.
The complex houses the Library and the Archive of Galicia, the Museo Centro Gaiás with temporary exhibitions, an entrepreneurship center and event spaces. Around it is the Bosque de Galicia, planted with native trees, and trails across the hill.
From the terraces and the park there is a wide view of Santiago, with the cathedral towers visible in the distance.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1.5 to 2 hours.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, when low light falls on the stone. Check the Museo Centro Gaiás exhibition schedule.
How to get there
It is on Monte Gaiás, about 2 km from the center. City buses go up from the center and the station; on foot it's about a 40-minute uphill walk.
Tip
Take the bus up and walk down through the wood if the weather allows. Check the Museo Centro Gaiás program before you go. Bring a jacket: the top of the hill is windy.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cidade da Cultura de Galicia
Who designed the City of Culture?
The American architect Peter Eisenman, who won the competition in 1999.
What is inside the City of Culture?
The Library and Archive of Galicia, the Museo Centro Gaiás with temporary exhibitions, and event spaces.
How do you get to the City of Culture?
By city bus from the center or on foot, about a 40-minute uphill walk.