Right-wing council denies memorial for site of Robert Capa's famous photo

In Madrid, Spain, campaigners are expressing frustration regarding the city council's shift in plans for a memorial dedicated to a historical site linked to Robert Capa's iconic photograph. Originally envisioned as a museum to commemorate the site of a bombing during the early Spanish Civil War, the fate of the building at 10 Peironcely Street is now uncertain. The conservative People's party (PP) now governs the city council, and their recent statements suggest that the initial proposal was merely conceptual, rather than a solid architectural plan. This situation has raised concerns among local advocates, who spent years advocating for the preservation of the historic location. As part of their plan, the council had previously pledged to collaborate with community organizations to protect and honor the building, which symbolizes a significant period in Spain's history. The decision to potentially transform the site into a multi-use cultural space has surprised those who have long campaigned for it to serve as a dedicated center for the interpretation of aerial bombings during the Civil War, particularly considering Capa’s renowned work which captures both the destruction and the human spirit. Critics, including José María Uría from the Fundación Anastasio de Gracia, have highlighted the inconsistency in the council's approach. The council’s failure to mention Capa or any commemorative center in recent discussions has led many to feel disheartened after years of lobbying for this cause. Furthermore, a previous acknowledgment of the site's historical significance came when a copy of Capa's photo was displayed at the Reina Sofía museum in 2021, illustrating both the recognition of the past and the need for a dedicated museum space to coincide with architectural developments. The Peironcely Street building remains central to a political debate over historical memory, especially in light of recent efforts by the central government to designate other sites related to Franco's era as places of remembrance. Supporters of the Capa museum project argue that preserving the location is vital for both cultural growth and economic development, underscoring the argument that separating the building from Capa’s legacy contradicts the recognition the city has previously made about its worth and significance.