The exhibition will take place from 11 September to 5 October 2024 at the Afundación headquarters in Vigo. Rúa Policarpo Sanz, 26.
OPENING TIMES: Monday to Saturday, 17:30–20:30 // Sundays and public holidays closed
FREE ENTRY (subject to capacity)
“A Monastery, a Sea of Stories” highlights the heritage of the Monastery of Oia, the only Cistercian monastery located on the Atlantic coast.
The exhibition spans 875 years—from the 12th to the 21st century—revealing, for the first time, unknown episodes from both the Monastery and the history of Galicia itself.
Presented in Vigo for the first time, “A Monastery, a Sea of Stories” offers a unique, all-ages experience that explores the grandeur of the Cistercian monastery of Santa María de Oia (Pontevedra), distinguished by its exceptional heritage value and unique coastal location as the only Cistercian monastery on the Atlantic shoreline.
The exhibition, an initiative in collaboration with Rodríguez + Pintos Arquitectos, the Xunta de Galicia, and Afundación (ABANCA Social Work), takes place at Afundación’s Vigo venue. It presents, in an in-depth and innovative way, the history of this monument—an essential part of Galicia’s heritage—promoting its historical and artistic value and fostering cultural enrichment in the region.
The title “A Monastery, a Sea of Stories” evokes the multiple narratives interwoven around the monastery, reflecting the diversity of accounts associated with it and the depth of its historical legacy. The exhibition presents the Monastery of Oia (a Site of Cultural Interest since 1931) as a focal point of events from the medieval period to the present day, highlighting its architectural significance and its relationship with the surrounding territory. Its legacy is brought to life through this initiative promoted by Grupo MARE—owner of the Monastery since 2004—via the Bretal Foundation, which advocates a management model based on conservation, heritage dissemination, and cultural and territorial value enhancement.
Monastery of Oia: 875 years of history, four narratives, three thematic axes
Designed for diverse audiences, “A Monastery, a Sea of Stories” presents four compelling narratives grounded in rigorous research, enabling both intellectual engagement and an immersive sensory experience through an innovative, interactive approach.
The exhibition explores the Monastery’s past, present, and future and is structured around three thematic and chronological axes: the monastic period (12th–19th centuries), the post-monastic period (19th–20th centuries), and a final section titled “Rebirth”, which presents the future project of the Monastery as a hotel.
Free of charge and designed for all audiences, the exhibition spans 875 years of history and reveals a future yet to be discovered.
Programme of activities
A parallel programme of events complements and expands on the exhibition content. These activities take place between 11 September and 3 October.
ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
| 17/09 – 19:30 | TALK: The Monastery as inspiration Iria Morgade (writer), Carla Andrade (visual artist), Fran Núñez (Director of the Galician Dramatic Centre) and Julio Gómez (co-director of Sinsalaudio) will share creative experiences in which the Monastery of Oia has played a decisive role. Moderated by Xoán Martínez, Director of the Monastery of Oia. Conference room, Afundación Vigo (Policarpo Sanz, 26). Free entry until full capacity. 18/09 – 19:30 | OFFICIAL PRESENTATION: Restoration, Rehabilitation and Extension Project of the Monastery of Oia With Santiago Pintos (Rodríguez + Pintos Arquitectos), Sarah Barbará (Head of Cultural Programming, Monastery of Oia) and Xoán Martínez (Director of the Monastery of Oia). Moderated by Lara Graña (Editor-in-Chief, Faro de Vigo). A historic moment marking the beginning of a new phase after 20 years of work by the current owners. A unique hospitality project centred on economic, social and environmental sustainability. Auditorium, Afundación Vigo (Policarpo Sanz, 26). Registration required (subject to capacity). 26/09 – 19:30 | LECTURE: The history of a singular monastery: Santa María de Oia A historical-artistic lecture by Carmen Manso Porto, PhD in Art History, analysing the development of the monastic complex across the centuries, with special attention to spaces such as the Renaissance cloister and 18th-century extensions. Conference room, Afundación Vigo (Policarpo Sanz, 26). Free entry until full capacity. 03/10 – 19:30 | CEREMONY: 6th Monastery of Oia Recognition Award – Juan Martínez Domínguez This award, marking the 20th anniversary of the monument’s acquisition, is granted to Juan Martínez Domínguez (founder of Vasco Gallega, now MARE), who initiated the challenge of restoring the Monastery as a shared heritage asset. The award recognises his contribution and long-term commitment to the only Cistercian monastery on the Atlantic coast. Conference room, Afundación Vigo (Policarpo Sanz, 26). Free entry until full capacity. |
Credits
Promoted by: Bretal Foundation and Monastery of Oia
Special collaboration: Rodríguez + Pintos Arquitectos
Supported by: Xunta de Galicia and Afundación (ABANCA Social Work)
Direction and curatorship: Sarah Barbará
Public information
EXHIBITION: “Monastery of Oia. A Monastery, a Sea of Stories”
DATES: 11 September – 5 October 2024
VENUE: Exhibition Hall I, Afundación Vigo (Rúa Policarpo Sanz, 26)
OPENING TIMES: Monday–Saturday, 17:30–20:30 // Sundays and public holidays closed
FREE ENTRY (subject to capacity)
