Centro Federico García Lorca

The Federico García Lorca Centre stands in Granada as a research and exhibition venue dedicated to the poet and playwright Federico García Lorca (1898–1936), one of Spain's most celebrated twentieth-century writers. The building occupies Plaza de la Romanilla, right in the old town, a short walk from the cathedral.

What is the Centre for?

The institution studies and promotes Lorca's literary legacy and hosts contemporary artistic events connected to his work. Running it is a joint effort: a consortium bringing together Spain's Ministry of Culture, the regional government of Andalusia (Junta de Andalucía), Granada City Council and the Granada Provincial Council.

What does the archive hold?

At the core of the building sits a steel-lined vault built specifically to store Lorca's manuscripts — roughly five thousand of them, alongside another three thousand documents from other authors tied to his circle. The collection belongs to the Fundación Federico García Lorca, set up in 1984 by the poet's sister, Isabel García Lorca, and his six nephews and nieces, who donated the family's surviving papers. The archive itself only arrived in Granada in June 2018, having been kept for decades at the Residencia de Estudiantes in Madrid. Beyond the vault, the Centre houses exhibition rooms, a theatre and a library, so a visit can combine rotating exhibitions with performances tied to Lorca's plays and poetry.

Where did the building come from?

The current structure is the work of the MX_SI studio — architects Boris Bezan, Mara Partida, Hector Mendoza and Norma Mónica Juvera Jiménez — who won the design competition in 2005. Construction started in 2008, and the Centre finally opened its doors in July 2015, after a build-out timeline typical of large public cultural projects in Spain.

When should you go?

Opening hours run Tuesday to Saturday, 11:00–14:00 and 17:00–20:00, with Sunday limited to the morning slot of 11:00–14:00; the Centre is closed on Mondays. Afternoon visits tend to coincide with temporary exhibitions, which makes that window worth choosing if a themed show is part of the plan. For group visits or any organisational questions, the Centre can be reached by phone at +34 958 274 062.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the Federico García Lorca Centre located? On Plaza de la Romanilla, in Granada's historic centre, close to the cathedral.

What can visitors see inside? The manuscript archive, held in a purpose-built steel vault, plus rotating exhibition rooms, a theatre and a library focused on Lorca's work and era.

What are the opening hours? Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00, Sunday 11:00 to 14:00 only; closed on Mondays.

Who manages the Centre, and where do the manuscripts come from? A consortium made up of Spain's Ministry of Culture, the Junta de Andalucía, Granada City Council and the Granada Provincial Council. The manuscripts belong to the Fundación Federico García Lorca, founded in 1984 by the poet's family, and arrived in Granada from Madrid in 2018.