The Caixanova Social Centre is located in the Casa Bárcena building, one of the most historical buildings of the city that dates back to the 19^th century. It was designed by the architect Jenaro de la Fuente Domínguez and the style was influenced by the Eclecticism movement. It is a multifunctional building and was designed to be used by both public and private organizations as well as NGOs.

It was officially opened by Their Majesties King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia in June 2003.

The Centre is a key actor in social and cultural events and plays a major part in social development, supporting the local sectors of production, providing technological training and furthering knowledge, education, the environment, culture and promoting employment and economic development.

During restoration work on the building a central garden was designed which adds natural light to all floors. Granite was used combined with other modern materials in order to achieve an interesting layout design incorporating large glass windows and works of sculpture.

Experts agree that the Caixanova Collection exhibited in a total space of 3000m2 is the best collection of Galician art in the world. The entire collection comprises 4,000 works and 120 are exhibited organized in a didactic way, from 19^th century Galician art to the present day.

The Naturnova is an interactive exhibition organised as a response to the ever increasing concern for environmental conservation. It centres on three themes consisting of 37 modules: the Universe, the Biosphere, and Humans and the Environment.

There are Three Exhibition Areas which hold temporary exhibitions of items from several different museums and private collections. Scientific and ethnographic exhibitions are held as well as new and established artwork of the highest standard.

There are four areas for creative workshops and educational facilities.

The Auditorium seats 360 and is equipped with all the latest technology.

The Conference Hall has a capacity for 122.

The Meeting Rooms are fully equipped with audiovisual applications and are available for company or organizational events. They seat between 10 and 22.

The Reception Room is an ideal setting for holding receptions of the events organised at the centre.

The Institute of Development was set up with the aim of promoting the production sectors in Galicia and creating employment. (More information is available at www.idcaixanova.com).

The New Technology Area is responsible for training and introducing new technology.

The Centre for Social Initiatives works to promote volunteer work, social integration, children’s and youth development programs, care of the elderly, panic button systems, and so on.

There are a wide range of Workshops and Courses.

The Shop/Bookshop is next to Naturnova.

The Centre for Technology and Information offers training to companies to make the most of technological innovations, work methods and developments in communications.