Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium
Kursaal Jauzi eta Batzar Jauregia
Two translucent glass cubes designed by architect Rafael Moneo, serving as the main venue of the San Sebastián International Film Festival.
The Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium stands on the east side of the Urumea River mouth, beside Zurriola Beach. Designed by Spanish architect Rafael Moneo, it opened in 1999 and won the 2001 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture (Mies van der Rohe Award).
The building consists of two tilted, translucent glass cubes. Moneo described them as 'two boulders stranded at the river mouth.' By day they glow milky white, and at night they light up from within, echoing the waves and hills around the river. The larger cube is an auditorium seating about 1,800, and the smaller one is a conference hall.
Each year in late September, the San Sebastián International Film Festival is held mainly here, when the red carpet and film fans fill the area. Outside of events, you can admire the building from the outside. Visiting the interior requires joining a guided tour or attending a performance.
Opening hours
Exterior accessible all day; performances and tours per the official website
Nearby sights
- Zurriola Beach
- San Telmo Museum
- Parte Vieja, San Sebastián
- Cathedral of the Good Shepherd
- Basilica of Santa María del Coro
- La Concha Beach
- Monte Urgull
- San Sebastián Aquarium