The project’s scale respects the typically narrow and deep lots – its glazed paraboloid form is carefully inserted into a slim site near the historic port. Bisected by an internal street that runs right through the gallery, the design creates a link between the principal thoroughfare of Canton Grande and one of the city’s characteristic alleyways, Calle de la Estrella, to the rear.

Along with its bookshop, café and public amenities, the foundation engages with the city through its holographic glass screen, which creates a new outdoor cinema space adjacent to the park.

Glazed bridges span across the atrium to the circulation spine, and give access to the wide-ranging collection of Caixa Galicia, which is displayed in bespoke exhibition galleries on the upper four levels.

At lower-ground level, a multi-use temporary exhibition space accommodates flexible programming and can be accessed independently of the main collection.