Álvaro Siza: Gateway to the Alhambra

A breathtaking gateway to Muslim civilizations in Europe, the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, is an architectural masterpiece. Discover the vision –and artistic challenge– of architect Álvaro Siza in this exciting exhibition.

Álvaro Siza: Gateway to the Alhambra reveals the creative process and artistic genius of one of today’s greatest living architects.

Siza has been fascinated with the Alhambra since the 1940s. His award-winning proposal for the Alhambra visitor centre (called New Gateway or Puerta Nueva) applies the many lessons he has learned from the Alhambra itself, including complex geometry, the use of light and water as primary design elements, and a masterful balance of natural and artificial landscape.

Explore through models and sketches, renderings, large-scale photographs, and video how Siza developed his design for an innovative structure that includes a courtyard, auditorium, and restaurant. Enjoy architectural objects from the Alhambra’s own collection, and understand why the Alhambra has inspired countless artists and architects since the 14th century.

Exclusive to the Toronto installation of this exhibition: a selection of ceramic tiles, marble capitals, intricately carved doors, and other original architectural elements from the Alhambra conjure the magnificent detailing of this World Heritage site. A must-see for those who love architecture and design.