Exploring Cultural Elegance at the Carmen of the Rodríguez-Acosta Foundation in Granada
Located in the heart of Granada, the Carmen of the Rodríguez-Acosta Foundation is one of Spain’s most unique buildings of its kind. Built between 1916 and 1930, it was declared a National Monument in 1982. The place was the studio of the prestigious painter José María Rodríguez-Acosta and houses a unique set of gardens and an extensive collection of works of art.
The Carmen of the Rodríguez-Acosta Foundation emerges as a cultural treasure enriched by history and art. This artistic oasis, located on the slope of the Mauror hill and close to the Alhambra, offers visitors a unique experience that combines the majesty of its gardens with the richness of its heritage. The Carmen of the Rodríguez-Acosta Foundation is not only a tangible testimony to the artistic legacy of its creator but also a space that continues to evolve and enrich itself with contemporary creativity. Visiting this place is delving into a universe where art, history, and nature converge in an unforgettable cultural experience.
History and Origins:
The Carmen of the Rodríguez-Acosta Foundation has its roots in the vision of the painter José María Rodríguez-Acosta, who conceived this space as a refuge that merged art, architecture, and nature. Construction began in the early 20th century, resulting in a blend of influences that reflect the artist’s passion for aesthetics and creativity.
Architecture and Gardens:
The Carmen is characterized by its eclectic architecture that combines Moorish, romantic, and Renaissance elements, creating a unique and evocative atmosphere. The gardens, distributed in terraces, captivate with their geometric design, fountains, and statues that harmoniously integrate into the landscape. The pronounced slope of the terrain gave rise to the terraces and viewpoints that shape its gardens. These, very unique in the context of Granada’s carmens due to their monumental character, unfold an interesting iconographic program around major symbolic themes: love, death, ruin, madness, contemplative life, etc.
Cultural Activities:
The Rodríguez-Acosta Foundation has kept the flame of art and culture alive over the years. The Carmen has become a vibrant space that hosts exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events, perpetuating the painter’s vision and opening its doors to contemporary creativity. In the Carmen itself, an annex houses the headquarters of the Gómez-Moreno Institute, where the archaeological and artistic legacy of the renowned historian Manuel Gómez-Moreno Martínez (1870-1970) is preserved. The magnificent collections in the Carmen are complemented by donations acquired over time, such as that of the painter Manuel Maldonado Rodríguez (1915-1984), considered a fundamental pillar in Granada’s 20th-century painting; the photographic legacy of the engineer and amateur painter José Martínez Rioboo (1888-1947), or, more recently, that of the Art History professor José Manuel Pita Andrade (1922-2009), a member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, who bequeathed over 600 books of great scientific and artistic value.
Guided Tour:
While touring the Carmen, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the life and work of Rodríguez-Acosta. The guided tour reveals fascinating details about the conception of the place and the artist’s influence, providing a deeper understanding of this cultural gem.
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Opening Hours and Contact:
From Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
General visit: there is a guided tour pass every hour. Price: 5 euros
Special visit (includes library): Saturdays at 4:00 pm.
Free visit: Fridays and Sundays at 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm.
Reduced prices for EU citizens over 65 (4 euros), holders of the European youth card (4 euros), children under 12 (free), and children between 12 and 15 years old (3 euros). People with disabilities equal to or greater than 33%: 0 €.
Location: Callejón Niño del Rollo, 8, 18009 Granada
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