Controversy Surrounds Robert Capa's Legacy in Madrid

In late 1936, Hungarian-American photojournalist Robert Capa captured a poignant image of three children amidst the rubble of a bombing in the Vallecas district of Madrid during the Spanish Civil War. This photograph not only highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict but also galvanized international support for the anti-fascist cause. The site of this iconic image, located at 10 Peironcely Street, has become a focal point for discussions about historical memory and community preservation in contemporary Madrid.

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Recently, Madrid's conservative city council reversed plans initiated by its leftwing predecessor to transform the site into a dedicated Robert Capa museum. Instead, the council announced the establishment of the Robert Capa Cultural Experimentation Centre, a youth center set to open in 2028. This decision has sparked outrage among local activists and historians who argue that it undermines the historical significance of the site. José María Uría, representing the Save Peironcely 10 platform, criticized the council for its lack of transparency and for sidelining community efforts to preserve the building's legacy.

The Guardian

The International Centre of Photography (ICP), which oversees Capa's legacy, has expressed strong disapproval of the new plans. In a letter to the city council, the ICP threatened to withdraw permission for the use of Capa's name in connection with the new project unless it aligns with the Save Peironcely 10 platform's vision. The ICP emphasized that Peironcely 10 is an "irreplaceable site of universal historical significance," and any project lacking their endorsement would lack legitimacy.

The GuardianDid you know that much of Robert Capa's photography was actually shot by a woman?

The Save Peironcely 10 platform has labeled the council's decision a political maneuver that jeopardizes years of community and academic efforts to establish a memorial site. They argue that the absence of a dedicated memory site would hinder potential tourism and economic benefits for the disadvantaged Vallecas neighborhood. As a compromise, the platform has suggested that the new center could operate under the auspices of Madrid’s municipal history museum, allowing both the cultural center and the historical site to coexist.

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The city council has stated that it is seeking legal advice regarding the retention of Capa's name but insists that the new center's purpose—supporting at-risk youth through cultural engagement—is paramount. They maintain that the historical context of the building will still be acknowledged within the new center.

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• “They’ve done this without talking to anyone and we’re all very surprised to see them acting like this …” — José María Uría, Fundación Anastasio de Gracia

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• “While we deeply respect the value of social work, Peironcely 10 is an irreplaceable site of universal historical significance,” — International Centre of Photography

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• “Vallecas needs the José María de Llanos Foundation, but there is only one Peironcely 10 in the world. We will not allow a social organisation to be used as an excuse to destroy this unique opportunity.” — Save Peironcely 10 platform

The Guardian

The ongoing debate over the future of 10 Peironcely Street reflects broader tensions between historical preservation and contemporary urban development, raising critical questions about how society remembers its past.

The Guardian