RCR Arquitectes to Design Málaga Astoria Cultural Center

Málaga’s historic center is about to undergo one of its most significant architectural transformations in recent memory. The vacant Astoria-Victoria plot, located adjacent to the iconic Plaza de la Merced, finally has a definitive future.

As announced in late July 2026 and reported by El Confidencial, the prestigious, Pritzker Prize-winning studio RCR Arquitectes has been selected by the Fundación Unicaja to design a world-class cultural and social center on this historic ground.

This decision marks a major milestone for Málaga, resolving years of urban planning debates with a design from one of the most revered architectural teams in the world.

A New Vision for Plaza de la Merced

The former Astoria and Victoria cinemas once stood as cultural hubs for the city, but after their demolition, the site remained an empty lot subject to various archaeological digs and administrative debates. Now, the project led by Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigem, and Ramón Vilalta (the founders of RCR Arquitectes) aims to breathe new life into the square.

According to details shared by Cadena SER, the new cultural center will seamlessly integrate:

• Cultural Exhibition Spaces: Hosting world-class art, photography, and historical collections.
• Educational Facilities: Classrooms and workshops dedicated to community learning and artistic development.
• Sustainability Hubs: Built with cutting-edge ecological standards, reflecting RCR’s signature environmental awareness.
• Social Commitment Areas: Spaces dedicated to community integration, civic engagement, and local non-profit initiatives.

Who is RCR Arquitectes?

Based in Olot, Catalonia, RCR Arquitectes is renowned for their deeply poetic approach to architecture. Winners of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2017, the trio is famous for creating buildings that maintain a profound dialogue with their natural and urban surroundings.

Their work often utilizes raw materials like weathering steel (Corten), glass, and stone, blending structural strength with light and transparency. Notable projects include the Soulages Museum in Rodez (France), the Sant Antoni-Joan Oliver Library in Barcelona, and the Tossols-Basil Athletics Stadium in Olot. Bringing this level of architectural prestige to Málaga further solidifies the city’s position as a leading European cultural capital, complementing other major modern milestones like the Zaha Hadid luxury tower.

Resolving a Decades-Long Urban Debate

For nearly two decades, the Astoria plot has been the subject of intense debate among local politicians, urban planners, and residents. Proposals have ranged from rebuilding the cinema to creating open public plazas or commercial spaces.

By partnering with Fundación Unicaja, the city secures a project that balances public utility with world-class design. Because the site sits directly opposite the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and adjacent to the Roman Theater and Alcazaba, the design must respect the deep layers of history beneath its foundation. RCR Arquitectes’ proven track record of integrating new structures into sensitive historical landscapes makes them the ideal choice for this complex challenge.

What Lies Ahead

While specific design blueprints and construction timelines will be unveiled in the coming months, the selection of RCR Arquitectes has already generated immense excitement across Andalusia. It signals a move away from generic urban development and toward high-concept, sustainable architecture that respects the local fabric while looking boldly toward the future.

As we watch this corner of Plaza de la Merced evolve, there is a shared sense of hope that this new space will become a welcoming living room for the city—a place where history, art, and community meet under the warm Málaga sun.