Ignacio de Cárdenas: A Pioneering Architect and the Story of Madrid's Telefónica Building Exhibition

This exhibition delves into the life and work of Ignacio de Cárdenas, the architect behind Spain's first skyscraper, the iconic Telefónica building in Madrid. It explores his professional journey, his dedication to the project, and the building's significance through personal accounts and archival materials.

The exhibition "Ignacio de Cárdenas, a pioneering architect" centers on the remarkable figure of Ignacio de Cárdenas Pastor, the visionary architect responsible for designing and overseeing the construction of the Telefónica building on Madrid's Gran Vía. This landmark structure, Spain's first skyscraper, was not only a symbol of technological advancement but also the tallest building in Europe for a period. The exhibition draws heavily from Cárdenas' own "Notes for my Memoirs," kindly shared by his family, offering intimate recollections, anecdotes, and impressions that chronicle his life and career. Visitors will encounter an interesting selection of family photographs, personal objects, sketchbooks, and excerpts from his writings, complemented by magazines and graphic material from Telefónica's extensive archive. Cárdenas, born in 1898, graduated as an architect in 1924, the same year the National Telephone Company of Spain (CTNE), later known as Telefónica, was founded. He was recruited by the company and, after initial considerations involving other architects, was entrusted by ITT president Sosthenes Behn to lead the Gran Vía project. Construction began in October 1926, utilizing American skyscraper construction techniques, and was completed remarkably quickly, with the switchboard becoming operational in 1928 and the work officially finishing in 1930. The exhibition also addresses the building's resilience during the Spanish Civil War, detailing how Cárdenas personally documented artillery hits and ensured the switchboard continued functioning. Despite facing personal health challenges and post-war professional repercussions, Cárdenas' connection to the Telefónica building endured, with his original plans guiding its 1950s extension. His enduring pride in the 'imposing, strong and majestic' skyscraper is captured through his later writings.

The exhibition is located on the second floor of Espacio Fundación Telefónica. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday and Friday from 10:00 to 20:00, and Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 11:00 to 20:00. Visitors can add the exhibition dates to their calendars via the provided iCal link.