In recent years, Spanish modernism is regaining prominence. thanks to initiatives that promote both its dissemination and its conservation in cities that are usually outside the major tourist centers. The study of modernism y Educational programs, exhibitions and architectural enhancement projects They have once again put the spotlight on this heritage, which is often little known or remains in the background compared to other styles.
Modernist architecture and its material and symbolic legacy They have found an increasingly prominent place in the cultural and educational debate, placing cities such as Zamora, Teruel, and Melilla in the national conversation about the protection and enhancement of their emblematic buildings and spaces.
Modernism: a common and little-recognized heritage
In Spain, Modernism It is often associated with Barcelona, ​​but there are other cities where this movement has left its mark, although its visibility and social and tourist recognition are much lower. Zamora, Teruel and Melilla They share the uniqueness of having modernist architectural complexes of great historical and aesthetic value, often overshadowed by the media influence of the major cities.
In Zamora, the European Route of Modernism represents an attempt to place local heritage on the international map, but Difficulties such as the lack of signage, the private use of most buildings and the absence of specific public aid limit their projection. Many visitors are unaware of the existence of these eighteen buildings scattered throughout the city, among which stand out buildings designed by Francesc Ferriol, who left an indelible mark with vertical facades and plant motifs typical of Catalan modernism.
The state of conservation varies: While some facades look imposing, others show visible damage and require urgent intervention. Cases such as the Grisanto Aguiar's House, The ValentÃn Matilla's House and Mariano López's House These are clear examples of the challenges facing the maintenance of Zamora's modernist heritage, aggravated by legal issues and the dispersion of ownership.
Modernism in education: a commitment to integration and dissemination
From the academic field, the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training has selected an innovative project that unites students and teachers from three different regions: Zamora, Teruel, and Melilla. The program, entitled "Modernism: Inclusive Heritage", aims to generate educational materials, interdisciplinary activities and dissemination campaigns around modernist architecture.
The proposal has a strong inclusive and multidisciplinary componentArt education, art history, and geography teachers work with students to identify and study the modernist elements of their cities. Guided tours, art workshops inspired by modernist ornamentation, and the development of an accessible catalog—with pictograms and visual elements—are some of the activities already underway.
One of the main achievements will be the publication of a joint catalogue of 20 representative buildings of local modernism in each of the cities involved, conceived as an educational and outreach tool adapted to the diversity of the students.
Learn to value your own and promote conservation
This type of initiatives seeks to awaken interest and respect for cultural heritage among young peopleAs the promoters point out, students often walk past these buildings without noticing their uniqueness. Educational projects not only teach us to "look up," but also foster the development of heritage ambassadors, future adults aware of its conservation and promotion.
Several in-person meetings between the centers have already been organized, such as the one held in Melilla, and new exchange activities are planned in Teruel and Zamora. The goal is to create ties between different communities and share methods, experiences, and results, enriching the learning process.
Public visibility: the example of the exhibition in León
On the informative and cultural level, one of the most relevant events has been the exhibition 'Modernism. Towards the Beauty of Everyday Objects' at the Casa Botines Gaudà Museum in León. During its five-month run, the exhibition attracted more than 28.500 visitors, confirming the growing interest in this style in its various national and international variants.
The exhibition allowed trace the evolution of modernist design through more than a hundred objects: furniture, ceramics, lamps, textiles or commercial catalogues, together with emblematic pieces by authors such as Josef Hoffmann and Peter BehrensThe initiative also included lectures, guided tours, and workshops, with support from cultural institutions and private collections.
This type of proposal contributes to modernism being perceived not only as an elitist artistic phenomenon or one linked to large cities, but as part of the shared imagination and the daily life of many Spanish cities.
Challenges, opportunities and future of modernism
The experiences of Zamora, Teruel, Melilla and León show that Modernism still has much to say in the national cultural and educational panoramaThe combination of institutional, academic, and social efforts is key to ensuring the preservation, accessibility, and promotion of this heritage, as well as ensuring that new generations understand, enjoy, and defend it.
The sum of initiatives such as educational routes, collaborative projects between centers, temporary exhibitions and awareness campaigns makes it clear that, without being Barcelona or Paris, there are many medium-sized cities capable of transforming their local modernism into an engine of identity, learning, and cultural growth. Collaboration between teachers, students, institutions, and the community ensures its permanence and relevance in the future.