The renovation of the National Theater Museum in Almagro—soon to become the National Museum of the Performing Arts—has been an exercise in precision and respect for history; a subtle dialogue between past and present that seeks to enhance the building’s essence with minimal resources and maximum impact. Housed in the former Palace of the Grand Masters of Calatrava, the museum—steeped in history—required a renovation that would improve its functionality without losing its identity and allow for an expansion of its exhibition capacity.
The renovation has reinterpreted the existing spaces from a contemporary perspective, redefining the access and circulation system to make them more intuitive, open, and accessible. Elements that restricted the flow of movement have been removed, allowing natural light—which envelops the central stone cube through skylights—to regain its prominence and flow more freely through each room. The removal of the old staircases—which have been relocated to the main circulation core—has transformed the spatial perception, vertically expanding the space, lending it a greater sense of lightness, and reinforcing the visual connection between levels.
The use of high-quality materials and construction solutions that respect the original building has ensured the sustainability of the renovation, minimizing its impact and allowing for future updates to the museum’s exhibits. The result is a more open, accessible, and inspiring museum—a renovated space that invites visitors to explore and discover it, where the performing arts are not only told but also brought to life through space, light, and technology.
Architects: Donaire Milans Arquitectos, Jesús Donaire and María Milans del Bosch
Photography © Montse Zamorano
Collaborators: Carlos Pérez
Students: Marta Esteban-Infantes
