Norman Foster Foundation Opens in Madrid
After extensive negotiations, the Norman Foster Foundation has officially launched in Madrid. British architect Norman Foster, who is married to Spanish curator Elena Ochoa, will lead the restoration of the Salón de Reinos at the Museo del Prado. Founded in London in 1999, the foundation occupies a historic structure in Almagro, originally created by Joaquín Saldaña. While the exterior remains intact, the 2,500-square-meter interior boasts a library and archive. An event pavilion showcases a sculpture by Cristina Iglesias. The foundation is dedicated to research and provides scholarships for emerging architects, with María Nicaor serving as the director. The opening forum, titled 'Future is now,' is set for June 1 and will feature prominent figures like Michael Bloomberg and Jonathan Ive.
Key facts
- Norman Foster Foundation opens in Madrid after years of negotiations.
- Foster is married to Spanish psychopathologist, gallerist, and curator Elena Ochoa.
- Foster will renovate the Salón de Reinos for the Museo del Prado expansion.
- The building is a 20th-century hotel particulier by Joaquín Saldaña, formerly the Turkish embassy and a bank.
- The façade cannot be altered due to heritage protection.
- The foundation houses a library and archive documenting Foster's work since the 1950s.
- A glass pavilion in the courtyard features an installation by Cristina Iglesias.
- María Nicaor, former V&A and Guggenheim curator, is the director.
- The foundation offers scholarships to young architects.
- Foster won the Pritzker Prize in 1999 and the Prince of Asturias Award in 2009.
- The forum 'Future is now' takes place June 1 at Teatro Real, Madrid.
- Participants include Michael Bloomberg, Jonathan Ive, Patricia Urquiola, Olafur Eliasson, and Cornelia Parker.
Entities
Artists
- Norman Foster
- Elena Ochoa
- Joaquín Saldaña
- Cristina Iglesias
- María Nicaor
- Michael Bloomberg
- Jonathan Ive
- Patricia Urquiola
- Olafur Eliasson
- Cornelia Parker
Institutions
- Norman Foster Foundation
- Museo del Prado
- Ivorypress
- Victoria & Albert Museum
- Guggenheim Museum
- Teatro Real
- Apple
Locations
- Madrid
- Spain
- Almagro
- London
- New York