A significant anniversary for Sitges
November 22 marks a special moment for the Cau Ferrat and Maricel museums, which are celebrating their tenth anniversary since their reopening after an exhaustive renovation. This event brought together highly relevant personalities, including the former president of the Generalitat, Artur Mas, and the Minister of Public Works, Ana Pastor, among others. The collaboration of several institutions was essential to achieve an investment of more than 10 million euros during a period of economic difficulties.
Reform: an urgent need
The reform of the museums was crucial not only for their physical structure, but also to ensure their continuity as vital cultural centers. Located by the sea, with complex buildings and renewed museographic needs, both the Cau Ferrat and the Maricel Museum were in a precarious situation. Without this intervention, today they could be in danger not only architecturally, but also as institutions that preserve cultural heritage.
Institutional collaboration: a model of success
The museum reform project is considered one of the most important in the recent history of Sitges. The active participation of the Spanish Government, under the direction of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, was fundamental, as it provided most of the investment through a special item from the Ministry of Public Works. In addition, the Generalitat and the Provincial Council played a key role, demonstrating an example of institutional collaboration that facilitated the execution of this ambitious project.
The local commitment and the importance of leadership
The Sitges City Council, under the leadership of Jordi Baijet and later Miquel Forns, was essential in obtaining the necessary resources for the reform. The citizen initiative that defended the preservation of the heritage was an important driving force in this process. Key figures such as Antoni Sella, director of the project, and Vinyet Panyella, responsible for the reopening and the new museographic approach, contributed significantly to the success of this transformation.
A bright future for culture in Sitges
Today, the Cau Ferrat and Maricel museums are not only a testament to Sitges’ historical heritage, but have also become cultural landmarks with a dynamic programming. The recent exhibition on L’Amic de les Arts and the impressive mapping show are examples of their commitment to art and culture. In a decade, they have received nearly 600,000 visitors and their budget has tripled, reflecting the success of their renovation.
