Andorra Culture Minister Reaffirms National Museum Progress at Espai Capital

Culture Minister Mònica Bonell has reaffirmed that the National Museum project is progressing through essential preliminary studies, with the Espai Capital site in Andorra la Vella remaining the government's preferred location despite the winning architectural proposal making no provision for it.

Addressing concerns raised after the recent unveiling of the 'Plenum' design by Altura Arquitectes—which includes a pairal house, three parking levels, and a multifunctional exhibition space but omits any museum area—Bonell stressed that the ministry is advancing conceptual and musealisation studies, also known as modelisation work. "We are working so that this National Museum can become a reality, and for that to happen we need conceptual studies and musealisation studies. That's the stage we're at," she stated on Thursday.

Bonell, who holds the Culture, Youth and Sports portfolio, reiterated that Espai Capital on the former bullring plot was identified from the start as the optimal spot. She expressed trust in communications from Andorra la Vella commune officials, saying, "I'm sticking with what they've told me from the commune. I trust they haven't ruled out it being complementary to the full range of options at Espai Capital." This follows remarks from councillor Sergi González noting that no formal project has been submitted by the government.

The minister underscored flexibility, insisting the location would not derail progress. "If it can't be there, we'll find another place. This won't hold back the government from developing the National Museum," she said, prioritising a suitable space to properly showcase the collections and infrastructure. Once studies wrap up, if Espai Capital proves unsuitable, the executive will pursue an alternative.