CHILLIDA LEKU
CASE STUDY
CHALLENGE
The Museo Chillida-Leku in San Sebastian underwent a masterful renovation by the Paris-based practice of Luis Laplace that is renowned for taking on projects that require the intuitive and seamless integration of architecture, art and high-end design. Located in the Basque countryside, the site was first established as a museum in 2000 by the famous Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida whose estate is managed by Hauser & Wirth. Laplace guided the renovation of the 16th century farmhouse which contains the artist’s small format works and drawings, as well as the twelve hectares of grounds which display forty of his more monumental sculptures. The renovation preserved the spirit of Chillida’s vision, all while introducing new lighting, insulation, a sustainable café, book shop and improving access for visitors. The park was landscaped by Piet Oudolf, the Dutch garden designer and maestro of the New Perennial movement with whom Laplace previously collaborated on three other projects, including Hauser & Wirth’s Durslade Farmhouse in Somerset.
OUR WORK
IC Insight Communications was retained to support the high-profile launch of this important cultural landmark. We organised a press trip ahead of the official opening, shaping stories for international key media around the site and its artful restoration by Luis Laplace, with the aim of creating high interest around the opening and of making it a destination.
RESULTS
Our campaign generated features in leading international publications, resulting in high-impact visibility for Chillida-Leku and Laplace which was named a must-see international destination and cultural highlight in Spain. The increased awareness created through rich and meaningful storytelling in high-profile international publications has already a great number of visitors well beyond connoisseurs of contemporary sculpture.
