Escaldes-Engordany to Repurpose Espai Caldes for Modern Art After Thyssen Exit

Valentí Closa, Escaldes-Engordany's Culture councillor, has called for rethinking the Espai Caldes venue to prioritise modern and contemporary art following the Thyssen museum's departure, while expressing openness to negotiating future uses for the vacated site.

Speaking at Saturday's traditional Sant Antoni escudella event, Closa said the parish aims to shift the cultural focus there, describing it as a deliberate move to transfer the area's drawing power from the Thyssen to Espai Caldes. He noted that the parish already has sufficient exhibition spaces with Espai Caldes and the CAEE, adding that Escaldes does not urgently need more galleries amid rising operational costs like curators, staffing, insurance, and premiums that have surged in recent years.

Closa highlighted the district's growing appeal, from the Balmaseda works through Caldes, as a key cultural and tourist hub. He cited the tourist office's relocation from its former landmark spot, where officials initially feared a drop in visitors. A review of the past decade showed rising numbers instead, with the office receiving record information requests and Espai Caldes generating strong interest.

The councillor praised the Thyssen's past contributions, calling it a vital part of a "triangle" alongside CAEE and Espai Caldes that boosted the upper parish. Its exit requires adaptation, he said, though the parish has acted to minimise any dip in visitors. Culture demands funding from public bodies but carries costs that must be weighed against returns, Closa stressed, noting Escaldes' longstanding support under former consellera Gili.

On the ex-Thyssen space in the former Hostal Valira basement, previously rented by the parish, Closa said no firm plans exist. Discussions continue routinely with the consellera, and terms would need renegotiation—potentially for private pictorial collections eyed by the Culture ministry. "Everything is on the table," he indicated, with communal decisions pending on various projects.