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San Roque Contemporary Art Centre
The San Roque Contemporary Art Centre (CAC) is located in the Old City Hall in the Plaza de Armas Square, in the historical centre of San Roque.
The CAC will house the works of two universal San Roque-born artists in completely different spaces, an Andrés Vázquez de Sola exhibition and a Carlos Pacheco exhibition.
Andrés Vázquez de Sola (1927)
The exhibition that has just opened features the pictorial work of artist Vázquez de Sola, full of humour and wit. The visit is arranged in rooms around a common thread: portraits with a description of a person that includes their character, habits and actions, which provides the opportunity for the San Roque creator to investigate the ins and outs of the portrayed public figures.
His works are arranged in three rooms.
The first room, on the ground floor, is dedicated to people from the Gibraltar Area, characters who tell stories about the region through their own lives portrayed with humour and love. Artists, intellectuals, musicians, writers, from different eras. From historical figures such as Luis de Lacy, José Cadalso, Francisco María Tubino or Juan Domingo de Mena, to the 20th century with Juan Luis Galiardo, Carlos Castilla del Pino, Paco de Lucía or Carlos Pacheco, among many others.
The second and third rooms are located on the first floor and are adjacent. They offer a walk through historical eras with the legendary characters created by the ingenuity of Vázquez de Sola.
His works are full of colour, imbued with a sense of humour, through which we can delve into the human soul, the one that we are made up of, with our strengths and flaws. A story told through portraits, a mirror in which to look at ourselves and recognise ourselves. But not with sadness or seriousness, but through laughter, which dismantles and demolishes the walls that separate us.
The San Roque artist says that “Humour is the ability to laugh at the world whilst we look in the mirror.” Seen in this way, laughter is an effective therapy, a powerful tool against repression, laughter breaks down walls, sneaks between the bars of the cells and is impossible to chain up. Laughter is a powerful weapon of mass destruction against the injustices of this world, Vázquez de Sola takes us on a journey to a purer world.
Facts about Andrés Vázquez de Sola:
Born in San Roque, on 25th July 1927, Andrés Vázquez de Sola Domingo stands out as one of the great graphic humourists of the 20th century. Specialised in satirical press, his career took him beyond area to Granada, Madrid and Paris.
After his difficult beginnings in the French capital, feeling cold and sleeping under bridges, his satirical work “The Great Francoist Bullfight” led him to publish in Le Canard Enchainé. This was the starting point for his recognition as one of the most outstanding Andalusians in satirical drawing.
In 1985 he retired for good from journalistic work and dedicated himself to painting colourful medium and large format portraits and holding monographic exhibitions, without forgetting to mention the more than thirty books that he has published.
Carlos Pacheco (1961-2022)
Born in San Roque on 14th November 1961. He was one of the most prominent cartoonists in the international comics industry. His work for Marvel Comics and DC Comics earned him worldwide recognition.
He gave life to characters such as Captain America, Superman and Batman. He was a regular at several Spanish, European and North American comic functions and conventions. He usually worked with inker Jesús Merino and his style is characterised by being elegant, dynamic and clean. He drew inspiration from artists such as Neal Adams and John Buscema.
Opening time
From Tuesday to Friday – from 10:00 to 14:00
The first weekend of every month, from 10:00 until 14:00
Closed on local, regional and national holidays.
Museums
San Roque’s cultural facilities are rich and varied. Among the different options available to visitors keen on cultural experiences are the different museums, which include from art to archaeology, as well as bullfighting, movies and CB radio. In addition, there are exhibition halls that house different themes.
Therefore there are a wide range of alternatives for visitors who are looking for leisure options and want to find out more about the wealth of history and heritage the city of San Roque has to offer.
Carteia Museum 
This museum is an extraordinary opportunity to get to know Carteia Achaeological Site better, which is situated in the borough, through pieces found during different excavation campaigns. Different rooms take us on journey from its Phoenician and Carthaginian origins until the present day, including its splendid Imperial Roman past, the period of maximum splendour.
Visitors have the chance to enjoy a new museum site, in which they will be able to see the different pieces on show, such as household pottery, decorated cornices, different busts and figures, coins, oil lamps and oinment holders, among many other pieces. All of these make up a chronological journey from the foundation of the city of Carteia until the creation of the city of San Roque after the capture of Gibraltar by the English in 1704.
Nevertheless, what no one should miss is the wharf, which was moved from its original site in Campamento and features a really rare drainage system made up of amphorae. The spectacular bucraneum frieze, a marble relief which represents a bovine skull decorated with flower and fruit wreaths, an exquisite piece which was part of a burial or commemorative monument. For those who feel scientific curiosity, they only have take a look at a archaeological stratigraphy, which shows the different strata that archaeologists have uncovered in their excavations and is something really new as far as the typical museum is concerned.
In addition, the museum where the original Standard of Gibraltar is kept, brought by the Gibraltarians who were forced to leave the Rock when the English took over. This standard, which is made with embroidered silk, features the coat of arms of the city of San Roque. The coat of arms is the same as Gibraltar’s, except for the crown above the badge on the San Roque version. Incidentally, according to legend the standard was embroidered by Joanna the Mad, although we cannot be entirely sure if it is true, it is worth having a close look to see all its exquisite details.
The visit is complemented with audiovisual features, which allow you to find out more about the pieces and the history of the city, as well as a brand-new virtual reality experience that lets visitors relive the city at the time of its maximum splendour. The museum also has a strong presence on social media, where you can find out more about different pieces, events organised by the museum and other news to keep you up to date.
Opening times
From Tuesday to Friday – 10:00 to 14:00
Also, the first weekend of every month – from 10:00 to 14:00
Phone: 956 780 507 – 956 780 106 ext. 2406 / 2345
E-mail: actividades.museo@sanroque.es
Closed on local, regional and national holidays.
San Roque Municipal Museum
In actual fact, San Roque Municipal Museum features two very different sites, all equally spectacular. On the one hand, the archaeological collection dedicated to the Roman city of Carteia, located in an independent building in San Felipe Street. On the other hand, you can find the extraordinary collection of works by Luis Ortega Brú at the Governor’s Palace. This San Roque-born sculptor is considered by many to be the one of the best religious sculptor from the 20th century.
Both collections are the pride and joy of town folk and are a real pleasure for those who want to know more about local culture and heritage.
Opening times
From Tuesday to Friday – 10:00 to 14:00
Also, the first weekend of every month – from 10:00 to 14:00
Closed on local, regional and national holidays.
Luis Ortega Brú Museum
The ground floor of the Governor’s Palace houses the museum dedicated to the San Roque-born religious sculptor, Luis Ortega Brú. This sculptor is considered to be one of the best from the 20th century in specialised circles.
Some of the artist’s most emblematic pieces are kept in the museum, as well as different outlines and prototypes of religious statues that can be found scattered around Spain and even Latin America.
Talking about Luis Ortega Brú is talking about feelings, passion and classicism, combining a degree of innovation that makes his work something sublime. That mixture of tradition and avant-garde, his unique way of giving a totally new perspective to classical themes and his singular sense of religiousness made him an artist in a class of his own.
We can encounter several original figures at the Luis Ortega Brú Museum, among which «La Pietà» in the religious sphere and a series of small totally contemporary and conceptual sculptures stand out, making it clear that his diverse artistic spectrum was nurtured throughout his career.
In addition, outlines and models of statues which are paraded around the streets in different parts of Spain can be seen, which makes it a unique opportunity to get to know more about the creative process of this artist. The genius of Luis Ortega Brú is clearly evident in works such as The Resurrection, «La Inmaculada» from Burgos or the most surprising sculptures like the Charites or Cathedral, the last two works are pure avant-garde.
You can see a recreation of the artist’s workshop at the Museum with his original tools and work bench, something that gives visitors a totally immersive artistic experience.
Undoubtedly, Luis Ortega Brú is one of the most important religious artists from the 29th century and not only is San Roque honoured by that fact he was born here, but also for being able to cherish his memory and his artwork with a museum that we are sure will leave no visitor indifferent.
Opening hours
From Tuesday to Friday – 10:00 to 14:00
Also, the first weekend of every month – from 10:00 to 14:00
Phone: 956 780 106 ext. 2406 / 2345
E-mail: actividades.museo@sanroque.es
Closed on local, regional and national holidays.
Juan Luis Galiardo
Not many people know that the famous and award-winning actor, Juan Luis Galiardo, a real movie and theatre icon, was born in San Roque. His home town was always close to his heart and this was reciprocal for local people. The city houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to his professional legacy, which can be visited at the Theatre which was given his name, located in the Alameda Square. This is how we make a tribute to his memory.
The exhibition starts with an extraordinary series of photographs with the title «Dressing Rooms» by Sergio Parra. These are a series of intimate pictures that show the actor behind the scenes before and after going on stage. These are photographs that capture the essence of the actor to perfection, his elegance and passion for this profession which part of every seconds of his life.
We can also encounter numerous personal objects, attrezzo, scripts with notes by the actor, costumes used in different roles and an endless list of curiosities that bring us closer to the work of this beloved San Roque-born actor. Undoubtedly, the jewel in the crown of this exhibition is the original Goya award that Juan Luis Galiardo received as the Best Actor in 2001 for his role in the film «Adiós con el corazón» (Goodbye from the heart) and that is kept with great pride. A real tribute to one of the most well-known actors in the Spanish cinema industry that should not be missed for any seventh art enthusiasts.
Opening times
From Monday to Friday – from 10:00 to 13:00, and when there are shows.
Closed on local, regional and national holidays.
Bullfighting Museum
If San Roque Bullring is already worth visiting due to its history and singularity, bullfighting enthusiasts should not miss a visit to the Bullfighting Museum. Located within the bullring, this museum is an extraordinary journey through time, as it allows you to get to know the history of local bullfighting, as well as how it has changed over time.
The visit starts with photographs and documentation about its inauguration in 1853. It is one of the oldest bullrings in Andalusia and the second oldest one in the province of Cadiz. There are all kinds of items linked to bullfighting, such as old saddles, bullfighting costumes, different sketches and engravings that show the evolution of bullfighting. In addition, there is a historical review of the «Toro del Aguardiente» bull run along the streets of the town that ends at the Bullring. The city’s fair ends with this event in August.
A special place is also given to Manuel Ballón, El Africano, who is said to have invented the Red Cape and Sword Technique here in San Roque or for the figures of Eduardo Liceaga and Mariano El Tornero, who both died in the Bullring. The operating table used to try to save the former is still preserved and the trap door through which the bull called «Jaranero» who killed the latter, came into the arena. A memento for Luis Miguel Dominguín, the famous bullfighter, who passed away in the borough. Without a doubt, a visit to the museum is complementary to the visiting the Bullring and will not disappoint bullfighting enthusiasts.
TEMPORARY CLOSED
CB Radio Museum
When we mention that San Roque’s cultural facilities are exceptional, we are not saying this for the sake of it. The CB Radio Museum, located in the Alameda Square, is literally in a class of its own and is another reason (as if there were not enough!) to visit the city. It is the only museum in Europe that is dedicated to CB-27 MHz radios and the world of ham radio. Visiting the museum is opening up to a fascinating and unknown world for most of us.
The collection features over 3,000 devices, although there are over 800 on show. Among these devices we can encounter radios, microphones and other accessories that, without a doubt, will intrigue visitors.
Apart from the actual museum pieces, you can also get to know the history of CB radio as the museum also has an extensive bibliography in several languages, as well as study tables for scholars. This is definitely a visit you should not miss and discover a new hobby.
Opening times
Fridays – from 19:00 to 21:00 pm
Events
Discover all of our upcoming events in San Roque. Click on the link below to access our events page and get more details about dates, locations, and activities.