We continue to discover and get to know better the supporting organizations that decided to join the #CreaSusCommunity. Through this interview series, we aim to better understand who they are, what they do, and how they approach sustainability within their daily work and long-term strategies. Follow #CreaSusCommunity to learn more about the organisations that decided to embark with us on a journey towards sustainability.
The organisation we introduce this time is the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, one of Spain’s leading public museums, rooted in one of the world’s most important private art collections and now a key institution within the country’s cultural heritage. Spanning Western painting from the late 13th century to the end of the 20th century, the museum combines the preservation and study of its collection with a strong commitment to public access, education, and social engagement. By joining the CreaSus project, the museum seeks to further strengthen and structure its long-term sustainability strategy, building on an integrated approach that already connects cultural heritage, inclusion, good governance, and environmental responsibility, while actively contributing to a broader transformation towards more sustainable practices in the cultural sector.
What is the core business of your organization?
The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza finds its origin in one of the world’s most important private art collections, spanning Western painting from the late 13th century to the end of the 20th century. Its transformation into a public national museum has been essential to Spain’s cultural heritage, and we feel a strong sense of responsibility — and privilege — in safeguarding an outstanding collection that comprises the most significant examples of American painting, Impressionism, and German Expressionism in Spain.
We believe in the power of art to enrich people’s lives, broaden perspectives, and contribute to a more critical, sensitive, and aware society. Our collection is a powerful platform for sharing knowledge about Western culture and to encourage reflection and debate on issues that matter to society. This belief shapes the way we work and how we connect the collection with contemporary audiences.
We see ourselves as a living museum: a place to meet, connect, and feel part of a community around culture. Through educational experiences and new forms of dialogue, we raise awareness and foster critical thinking, contributing to the development and transformation of the communities we engage with.
Our work focuses on preserving and studying the collection, while making it meaningful and accessible to diverse audiences, both locally and internationally. Conservation and public access go hand in hand in everything we do.
Beyond safeguarding cultural heritage, we understand our social role as improving people’s quality of life, guided by principles of sustainability, inclusion, diversity, transparency, good governance, and ethics.
What role does sustainability play in the activities of your organization?
Sustainability is inherent to our mission as a public cultural institution and shapes the way we develop our activities. We understand it as a long-term commitment that runs across everything we do, from caring for the collection to how we relate to people, manage resources, and make decisions.
For years, we have been working across the different dimensions of sustainability — economic, governance, social, and environmental — as part of a shared and integrated understanding of our responsibility as a public institution.
Through our collection and our programme of exhibitions and activities, we aim to raise awareness and encourage society to take an active role in positive change. This is where culture and sustainability come together. In this sense, the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza contributes directly to the advancement of several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a positive impact on areas such as education, inclusion, cultural heritage, and sustainable communities.
Check Thyssen-Bornemisza’s Environmental and Sustainability Policy here.
Check Thyssen-Bornemisza’s Commitment to 2030 Agenda here.
Why did you decide to take part in the CreaSus Project?
We decided to take part in the CreaSus project as a natural step in our ongoing commitment to sustainability. For us, sustainability is a core priority that directly affects the long-term resilience, relevance, and social value of the museum.
As a cultural institution with an international presence, we see the need to reflect on and strengthen our economic, social, environmental, and cultural practices. CreaSus offers a valuable opportunity to do this in a structured and practical way, providing tools for self-assessment and diagnosis that help us understand where we stand, identify areas for improvement, and build on existing strengths.
A key aspect of the project for us is the opportunity to learn alongside other cultural and creative institutions. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing are essential to driving meaningful change. Exchanging experiences and good practices with peers supports innovation and helps us respond collectively to common challenges.
Through our participation in CreaSus, we aim to strengthen our sustainability strategy while reinforcing our role as a responsible cultural institution, contributing to a broader transformation towards more sustainable practices within the cultural and creative sector.
What outcomes and added value do you expect CreaSus will provide for your organization?
Through CreaSus, we expect to gain a much clearer picture of where we stand in terms of sustainability. The project helps us identify our strengths and weaknesses across economic, social, environmental, and cultural areas and, most importantly, turn that analysis into a concrete action plan.
CreaSus also supports the way we manage sustainability internally. It provides a shared framework and common tools that help align teams, strengthen governance, and integrate sustainability more effectively into decision-making processes across the institution. In this sense, it is not just about measuring impact, but about building a coherent, long-term strategy.
At the same time, the project offers a valuable space for learning and exchange. Working alongside other cultural and creative institutions allows us to share experiences and learn from different approaches.
Download the interview in PDF format.
