Museo Provincial de Zamora

The Provincial Museum of Zamora, Spain, incorporates one wing of the Palacio del Cordon, which originally stood on the site, and the old church of Santa Lucía, which is now the museum's store. The new, contemporary building is cubic in form, yet sits comfortably in its historic context. Being one of Mansilla y Tuñón's earliest works, it incorporates many themes that were developed further on later projects. The ground and middle levels contain archaeological finds and the upper level houses fine art. From the entrance level, a timber-lined ramp leads you up to the many spaces - of varying heights, mostly top lit - that house the exhibitions. A grand staircase leads you back down. Parts of the original cloisters of the Palacio have been retained and were incorporated into the scheme. Externally, the building is finished with small blocks of honey-coloured sand stone. Internally, the palette of materials is limited to white painted, board-marked concrete walls and timber flooring.