Construction of La Laguna’s Casa Anchieta Museum Set to Begin

The Urban Planning Management of La Laguna has officially approved the musealisation project for the interpretation centre at Casa Anchieta, as confirmed by Adolfo Cordobés, the Councillor for Cultural Heritage. This announcement was made during a recent session of the Municipal Cultural Heritage Council, where it was revealed that the project will unfold in two distinct phases starting in 2026.

Casa Anchieta, a historic building dating back to the 16th century, served as the childhood residence of the esteemed humanist saint José de Anchieta, who lived from 1534 to 1597. Following a comprehensive restoration completed last year, it has become the first interpretation centre in the Canary Islands dedicated to the life and contributions of Father Anchieta. This significant transformation of the site aims to enhance its role as a cultural landmark in the region.

During the council meeting, Cordobés elaborated on the project’s requirements, noting that due to the site’s designation as a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC), it must receive a positive assessment regarding its impact from the Cabildo of Tenerife. José Carlos Cabrera Pérez, the Head of the Administrative Service for Historical Heritage at the Cabildo, was present and indicated that the Heritage Committee will review the project by the end of November. This review is crucial for ensuring that the project aligns with the preservation standards expected for such an important cultural site.

These necessary evaluations have resulted in delays, pushing the commencement of construction to the following year. The first phase is slated to begin in early 2026, contingent upon the approval of municipal budgets. This phase will be funded by a grant from the Cabildo, amounting to just over €30,000, which will be allocated for the establishment and operation of temporary exhibition and multipurpose rooms on the ground floor. This initial funding is a vital step in bringing the project to life and ensuring that the centre can start its journey towards becoming a vibrant cultural hub.

Once the full funding for the project is secured, work will progress to the second phase, with plans to issue a call for bids also in 2026. The comprehensive project plan has been revised by the original authors from the 2016 document, now known as Pintadores Asesores Integrales SL, and outlines a total investment of €299,000 for material execution, as reported by the Cultural Heritage department. This significant investment underscores the commitment to creating a facility that honors the legacy of Father Anchieta while providing a space for contemporary cultural engagement.

Transforming Cultural Engagement

The revised project aims to enhance the centre’s offerings, creating a more dynamic environment. This includes multipurpose rooms designed for various activities and temporary exhibition spaces that will focus on the life and works of Father Anchieta, as well as his connections to La Laguna, Portugal, Brazil, and Ibero-America. By integrating these diverse themes, the centre will serve as a bridge connecting different cultures and histories.

The vision for the centre is to foster an engaging atmosphere rather than a conventional museum. It will feature a continuous program of activities and integrate modern technologies, such as augmented and virtual reality, projections, and interactive components. These innovations are intended to captivate visitors and provide them with an immersive experience that brings the history of Father Anchieta and his contributions to life.

In addition to showcasing historical items, including a bibliographic collection donated by Professor Manuela Marrero and models related to Tupí culture, the centre will highlight La Laguna’s role as a cultural crossroads. This reflects the diverse backgrounds and cultures that influenced Anchieta’s missionary, cultural, and scientific endeavors in Brazil. The centre aims to celebrate this rich tapestry of influences, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of the historical context surrounding Father Anchieta’s life.

Discussions are also progressing with the Padre Anchieta Museum in São Paulo and MUNA to assess materials related to La Laguna for potential inclusion in the centre’s exhibits, among other collaborative initiatives. These partnerships are expected to enrich the centre’s offerings and provide a more extensive narrative of Anchieta’s impact across different regions.

Adolfo Cordobés emphasized that the Casa Anchieta Interpretation Centre project represents a significant opportunity to safeguard and promote La Laguna’s cultural heritage associated with Father Anchieta. He expressed that the centre will not only educate visitors about José de Anchieta’s life and work but also celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of the region. This initiative is poised to become a cornerstone of cultural education and engagement in La Laguna, inviting both locals and tourists to explore the profound legacy of one of the Canary Islands’ most notable historical figures.

Key points

• The Casa Anchieta museum project has been officially approved by La Laguna’s Urban Planning Management.
• Construction is set to begin in early 2026, with funding from a Cabildo grant of over €30,000.
• The project will unfold in two phases, with a total investment of €299,000 planned for material execution.
• The centre will incorporate modern technologies to create an engaging visitor experience.
• Collaborations with other museums aim to enhance the centre’s exhibits and educational offerings.
• The initiative seeks to celebrate and promote La Laguna’s cultural heritage linked to Father Anchieta.