Published 15 June 2026 | Community

TL;DR: Almeria’s new Museum of Art unites historic and modern architecture to create a vibrant cultural gateway celebrating local artists and contemporary creativity.

Almeria’s New Museum of Art Melds History and Innovation to Celebrate Local Creativity

A Historic Site Reborn as Almeria’s Cultural Gateway

Almeria has given new life to two emblematic buildings by merging them into a single cultural hub that both honors the past and looks boldly to the future. The old neomudejar-style Preventorio, once a sanatorium steeped in quiet reflection, has been unified with the adjacent modernist Espacio 2 – the former contemporary arts centre known as CAMA. Together, they now form the city’s Museum of Art, a landmark designed to be the main cultural entry point to Almeria, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience art in a unique, welcoming environment.

The museum retains the peaceful vibe of the Preventorio’s zen garden, once a favourite backdrop for wedding photos. Yet, a symbolic removal of barriers has erased physical limits between the museum and the surrounding plaza, encouraging a seamless flow between the city’s busy streets and the calm contained within the museum’s walls.

Architectural Harmony Sets the Stage for Artistic Exploration

Access is now focused through the Preventorio’s main entrance, replacing the former mayoral offices with a stylish information desk, a thoughtfully curated bookshop, and a ticket area on the ground floor. This level also houses a conference room, administrative offices, and the heart of the museum’s identity: a permanent collection dedicated to the province’s artists.

The renovation, funded by the city council with a 3.2 million euro investment supported by European funds, was led by Loto Arq architects. Their design highlights clean lines and Mediterranean light flooding the interiors, creating an elegant setting that showcases the art rather than competing with it. The museum’s layout and atmosphere itself become part of the artistic experience, blending architecture and exhibition space into a unified language of beauty and creativity.

A Living Tribute to Almeria’s Artistic Heritage

Managed by Fundación Ibáñez Cosentino, the museum’s permanent collection highlights more than 70 artists from the province, illustrating half a century of creative evolution in painting, sculpture, and photography. This carefully curated selection tells a story of regional pride and artistic innovation that resonates beyond Almeria’s borders.

Visitors will encounter works from iconic figures such as Jesús de Perceval with his global vision, Julio Visconti’s delicate watercolours, and Pedro Gilabert’s inventive naif style. Photography, a field where Almeria has gained international reputation, shines through prominent photographers like Pérez Siquier and José María Artero, whose dynamic contributions continue to inspire. Alongside them, artists such as Manuel Falces and Carlos de Paz bring conceptual depth and urban poetry, while Andrés García Ibáñez and many contemporary creators help shape a vivid and evolving cultural landscape.

Eco-Friendly Innovation Meets Contemporary Art

The museum is not only a beacon of artistic expression but also a model of environmental sustainability. It stands as Almeria’s exemplary eco-conscious building, featuring aerothermal and geothermal energy systems, solar panels, and a vertical garden, uniting cutting-edge technology with art.

The basement level is dedicated to temporary exhibitions, offering a dynamic platform for national and international artists in various forms including video art. Vibrant pieces by Santiago Picatoste brighten these underground galleries, infusing the space with energy and inviting visitors to continually discover fresh perspectives. This forward-thinking agenda ensures the museum will remain a vital centre for contemporary culture, education, and community engagement through workshops and lectures.

By integrating historic charm, modern design, local artistic heritage, and ecological responsibility, Almeria’s Museum of Art sets a new standard as a cultural destination in southern Spain. It is a place where the past is honored, the present celebrated, and the future imagined through the universal language of art.

For updates on local community life, public services and local developments across the province, follow our latest posts in the Community section.

Published 15 June 2026 | Community

TL;DR: Nuria Victoria Lopez has been officially appointed as the new Hermana Mayor of the Hermandad de la Divina Infantita, stepping into a leadership role that continues a long-standing tradition of devotion in the municipality.

Nuria Victoria Lopez Takes Helm as New Leader of Divina Infantita Brotherhood

Official Ceremony Marks a New Chapter at San Isidro Church

Yesterday afternoon, the Hermandad de la Divina Infantita gathered at the Church of San Isidro Labrador for a significant moment in its history—the formal installation of Nuria Victoria Lopez as the new Hermana Mayor. The event was marked by a solemn mass attended by members of the community and local officials, underscoring the importance of the role within the town’s religious and cultural landscape. Lopez’s assumption of the position signals both continuity and renewed dedication to the brotherhood’s mission.

Local Officials Commend Past and Present Leadership

Among the attendees were councilors Elena Gomez and Delia Mira, who publicly congratulated Lopez on her new responsibilities. They praised the outgoing Hermana Mayor, Rosa Rodriguez, highlighting her valuable contributions over the past four years in nurturing the group and promoting devotion to the Inmaculada Nina. Their remarks also set the tone for the new leader’s tenure, emphasizing a commitment to spreading and deepening the community’s faith in the Divine Infant.

Longtime Member Embraces Responsibilities and Service

Nuria Victoria Lopez has deep roots in the Hermandad, having been part of the brotherhood since its inception and serving on the Junta de Gobierno for several years prior to her appointment. Her role now involves overseeing the care and veneration of the Divine Infant figure and supporting all religious events connected to this devotion. Lopez’s experience within the brotherhood ensures she is well-prepared to foster greater community engagement and uphold the brotherhood’s traditions.

Community Engagement and Respectful Dialogue Encouraged

The Hermandad de la Divina Infantita stresses the importance of respect and positivity both during gatherings and within community discussions. While members are encouraged to share their thoughts and connect with the brotherhood, guidelines are clear that conversations should remain respectful and free from offensive or illegal content. This approach fosters a welcoming environment for all who participate in the brotherhood’s activities or follow its developments.

Looking Ahead: A Renewed Focus on Devotion and Outreach

With Nuria Victoria Lopez now at the helm, the Hermandad de la Divina Infantita is set to continue its mission across the municipality, emphasizing spiritual devotion and community involvement. Her leadership is expected to bring fresh energy to the various religious events honoring the Inmaculada Nina, reinforcing the brotherhood’s role as a pillar of faith and tradition in the local area for years to come.

For updates on local community life, public services and local developments across the province, follow our latest posts in the Community section.

Published 03 May 2026 | Community

TL;DR: Almeria’s landscapes and local film crews are gaining fresh international attention after Lee Cronin’s The Mummy used locations across the province to recreate Cairo and New Mexico.

Lee Cronin’s The Mummy used Almeria to recreate Cairo and New Mexico

Several locations across Almeria province were used during filming for Lee Cronin’s The Mummy, once again placing the region in front of a global cinema audience.

From historic streets in the city of Almeria to desert scenery near Tabernas and rural areas around Pechina, the production used the province’s unusual visual range to double for places thousands of kilometres away. In the finished film, parts of Almeria were transformed into scenes set in Cairo and New Mexico.

For locals, it is another reminder that this province is not only a popular place to live and visit — it remains one of Europe’s most valuable natural film sets.

Watch the official trailer:

Which parts of Almeria were used?

According to local production reports, filming took place during June 2025 in several recognisable locations across the province.

• Areas near the Alcazaba of Almeria
• Pescaderia-La Chanca
• Plaza Pavia
• The School of Arts area in the city
• Tabernas Desert
• Sierra Alhamilla near Pechina

These settings were adapted through set design, props and camera work to portray both urban Middle Eastern scenes and landscapes from the American Southwest.

That ability to shift from one world to another is one of Almeria’s biggest strengths. Within a relatively short driving distance, productions can access deserts, mountains, coastline, villages, historic architecture and open countryside.

Why film productions keep returning to Almeria

Few places in Europe offer the combination of space, climate and light found in Almeria. The province enjoys many dry, bright days each year, making planning easier for film crews. It also offers dramatic scenery without the higher costs often associated with larger production centres.

For directors and location scouts, that flexibility matters. A single province can replace multiple countries or landscapes, saving time and simplifying logistics.

Modern productions also benefit from growing local experience. Almeria now has technicians, set builders, transport providers, accommodation networks and support companies familiar with international filming requirements.

Almeria’s long cinematic history

Almeria’s relationship with cinema did not begin with modern streaming platforms or horror films. The province became internationally famous during the 1960s and 1970s when major westerns were filmed in the area.

The dry landscapes around Tabernas became legendary after productions such as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, A Fistful of Dollars and many other spaghetti western classics used the region to stand in for the American frontier.

Stars such as Clint Eastwood, Henry Fonda and Lee Van Cleef worked in landscapes that many viewers still associate with the Wild West.

Beyond westerns, Almeria has also appeared in epics, adventure films, television series, music videos and commercials. Its cinematic identity has continued to evolve rather than disappear.

What this means for the local economy

Film shoots bring more than publicity. They create direct spending across many sectors of the local economy.

Hotels host cast and crew. Restaurants provide catering. Drivers, electricians, carpenters, security staff, equipment suppliers and many others can all benefit when major productions arrive.

There is also long-term value. A successful international release can place Almeria in front of millions of viewers who may later search for filming locations or consider visiting the province themselves.

Early box office numbers suggest a solid launch

Lee Cronin’s The Mummy opened with $13.5 million in the United States and Canada during its first weekend, finishing third at the box office. The film also added $20.9 million internationally across 78 markets in its early release period. According to public box office reports, worldwide takings later climbed to around $80 million against a reported production budget of $22 million.

For Almeria, that matters because successful international releases can keep filming locations in the spotlight for longer, potentially creating more interest in the province’s cinema history and future productions.

Could Lee Cronin’s The Mummy create film tourism interest?

Possibly. Film tourism has grown worldwide as travellers increasingly visit places they first discovered on screen.

Almeria already benefits from this trend thanks to its western heritage and Tabernas studios. If Lee Cronin’s The Mummy becomes a global hit, it could introduce a new generation of viewers to the province’s scenery and film legacy.

Even when audiences do not realise exactly where scenes were shot, the atmosphere and landscapes often create curiosity later.

Final thoughts

In Lee Cronin’s The Mummy, viewers may believe they are seeing Cairo streets or New Mexico landscapes. In reality, much of that cinematic illusion was created in Almeria province.

That is something the region has been doing for decades: becoming somewhere else on screen while quietly building its own reputation behind the camera.

For Almeria, this latest production is not an isolated success story. It is part of a long tradition that continues to bring culture, jobs and international attention to the province.

Want more local updates, cultural stories and regional developments? Explore our latest Community coverage.