Palacio de Congresos y Auditorio Kursaal
The Kursaal building complex (Spanish: Palacio de Congresos y Auditorio Kursaal ) in San Sebastián in the Spanish Basque Country is a conference and cultural center. The architectural complex with several large halls and other event rooms was designed by Rafael Moneo . It opened in 1999 and has been the seat of the San Sebastian Film Festival since then . The largest hall, known as the Auditorio , has a capacity of over 1,800 seats; the Sala de Cámara has more than 600 seats.
History, the name "Kursaal"
The Gran Kursaal Marítimo de San Sebastián was inaugurated in 1921. The building was right on the beach (playa de Gros) and the mouth of the Urumea River . The bridge that connected the Gran Kursaal with the city is still called puente del Kursaal today . The term (also known as the Kurhaus ) designates a representative multi-purpose building that offers space for social life in holiday resorts. In France, these buildings were casino called; this word also goes beyond the meanings casino and officers' casino.
The mentioned historical building was demolished in 1973.
Award
In 2001, Rafael Moneo received the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture for the Kursaal , also known by its former name, the Mies van der Rohe Award for European Architecture .
photos
Night view with special lighting
The Kursaal and the bridge over the Urumea
The Kursaal at dusk
View of the illuminated building complex
