The new cultural space ‘Cigarreras. Grandes Exposiciones’ will open to the public on Friday, 4 December, featuring the exhibition “Arte y poder en la colección de la Casa de Alba.” This follows the completion of renovations at the former Casa de la Misericordia.
On Thursday, 3 December, an official presentation will be held for authorities, invited guests, and media. Mayor Luis Barcala expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It is a luxury to have the Casa de Alba collection as the first exhibition in this significant cultural initiative that will mark a turning point for Alicante.”
He added, “We are eager to see this exhibition, which allows us to traverse the history of the Alba family and, with it, the history of Spain through magnificent pieces, some of which are rarely seen as they are kept in private family collections.”
The exhibition “Arte y poder en la colección de la Casa de Alba” features over 180 items, including paintings, engravings, drawings, photographs, archaeological pieces, sculptures, furniture, and a documentary archive held in the family’s residences: the Palace of Liria in Madrid, Las Dueñas in Seville, and Monterrey in Salamanca, home of the 19th Duke of Alba, Carlos Fitz-James Stuart y Martínez de Irujo.
Councillor for Culture, Nayma Beldjilali, remarked, “Starting the journey of ‘Cigarreras. Grandes Exposiciones’ with this exhibition reflects our vision for this new space, which is set to become a cultural and social reference for Alicante.” She added, “The first six scheduled exhibitions are of the highest calibre and will position Alicante within the cultural circuit of our country for the enjoyment of both locals and visitors.”
Following “Arte y poder en la colección de la Casa de Alba,” which will be open until 28 March, upcoming exhibitions at ‘Cigarreras. Grandes Exposiciones’ will include “Modigliani y sus amigos,” “Balenciaga y el arte,” “Obras maestras del Barroco,” “Chagall y el Mediterráneo,” and “Sorolla a través de la luz.”
The renovation of the Casa de la Misericordia involved an investment of €13 million and three years of work as part of the Sustainable and Integrated Urban Development Strategy (EDUSI), funded by the European Union. This redevelopment will create a new space that, alongside ‘Cigarreras. Grandes Exposiciones,’ will include facilities for the arts, innovation, and culture, as well as a community space that connects and revitalises the neighbourhoods of Carolinas Bajas, Campoamor, and San Antón.
