The distribution of costs for the sculptural renovation of Burgos Cathedral is self-financing, with eighty-seven percent of the total covered through private resources and the sale of heritage assets, while the remaining thirteen percent comes from donations from a group of about fifty businessmen, according to the Cabildo and various media reports. The Archbishop of Burgos emphasized to the press that the main goal was to avoid using public funds and requesting bank loans, thus seeking an independent and sustainable administration in the long term.
According to the local press, entry to the Santiago Church in Burgos Cathedral will be free for two weeks starting Saturday, allowing citizens and visitors to admire the new carved doors created by Antonio Lopez. According to the cathedral chapter, cited by various media, this early opening is seen as an opportunity to bring the Burgos community closer to the heritage renewal process, within the framework of the cathedral’s eighth centenary, and to encourage greater citizen participation in cultural and artistic life.
Cabildo explained that the program of activities will not only allow the artistic intervention to be carefully examined before its final installation, but will also facilitate direct interaction with Antonio Lopez himself, who will participate in the opening ceremony scheduled for 12:00 noon. On Saturday and in subsequent meetings. This program includes specialized conferences and a course of guided tours aimed at explaining the creative process, as well as the theological and symbolic background of the work. All of these activities seek to provide a complete view of both the iconographic content of the new doors and the techniques used by the sculptor.
Regarding the structure of the entrance, the sculptural design consists of three distinct panels: the left panel represents the Annunciation, the central panel is dedicated to God the Father or Creator, and the right panel shows the incarnation of Jesus Christ. As detailed by the Cabildo and reported by the media present, the dean of the cathedral, Castro, during the presentation of the project, referred to the theological meaning of the composition, highlighting the dialogue between Lopez’s artistic creativity and the spiritual dimension of the temple.
The cultural calendar includes guided tours in three daily shifts – at 12:45, 12:55 and 1:10 pm – with the aim of facilitating the attendance of groups interested in learning more about the intervention and accessing explanations about the historical and artistic context of the Church of Santiago. In addition, the itinerary includes the delivery of a single publication compiling the project process and outcomes. The accessibility of these activities aims to attract residents and tourists alike, and to promote the dissemination of the artistic and symbolic meaning of the sculptural renewal.
According to what was published in local newspapers and official statements, the exhibition welcomes the active participation of the public, and encourages dialogue and exchange of ideas between visitors and the author. Antonio Lopez himself will be available to answer questions and chat with attendees during the planned events. Cabildo explained that the timing of the opening responds to the intention of creating new cultural dynamics around the temple and allowing different audiences to approach the transformation that they consider relevant to the social memory of Burgos.
The educational focus of the exhibition is reinforced by the programming of two specialist conferences and the publication of a publication dedicated exclusively to the project. These resources, along with the guided tour course, aim to delve deeper into the motivations, procedures, artistic and spiritual values of the intervention, according to data collected by various media outlets.
In the context of its eighth centenary, the strategy adopted by the Cabildo, as insisted by official sources, aims to strengthen the Burgos Cathedral as a promoter of culture and art, ensuring that heritage renewal is managed in an open, transparent and self-sufficient manner. The focus on economic independence, reiterated by officials, allowed the project to be implemented without accepting external influences and ensuring institutional independence throughout the process.
During the exhibition, the organizers hope that direct contact between the audience, the artist and the work will enhance knowledge of creative practices and stimulate collective reflection on the symbolic and cultural value of the intervention. According to the Cabildo and local press coverage, all proposed measures aim to promote an educational and participatory experience, allowing residents to learn firsthand about the development of one of the most important heritage transformations in recent years at the Burgos Cathedral.