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Sharing the legacy of the Spanish-speaking world

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WHO WE ARE

The Queen Sofía Spanish Institute is a nonprofit corporation established by private American citizens to stimulate interest in the United States about the art, culture, customs, language, literature, and history of the Spanish-speaking world.

Our Legacy

1954

The Founding

On May 18, 1954, the Institute was incorporated as a non-political, nonprofit organization under the laws of the State of New York. Its mission is to stimulate interest in the culture, history, and customs of Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries in the United States, and vice versa.

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1965

The Building

In 1965, The Marquesa de Cuevas, philanthropist Margaret Rockefeller, saved the landmark building 684 Park Avenue from destruction and, with the McMicking Foundation, donated it to the Institute.

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1978

Gold Medal

On October 26th, 1978, the Institute held it’s first Gold Medal Dinner to honor individuals who have contributed to the international appreciation of Spain and the Americas through their achievements in international relations, science, business, the arts, literature and philanthropy. The first Gold Medal honorees were Henry Ford II and Andrés Segovia (In Absentia).

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2003

Our Patroness

In 2003, Queen Sofía of Spain accepted the Board of Directors’ unanimous decision to rename the organization in her honor. Queen Sofía has frequently been the Institute’s guest of honor at events and exhibition openings.

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2010

Translation Prize

The Inaugural Queen Sofía Spanish Institute Prize was created to recognize world-class translators who translate Spanish works into English. The establishment of this award ceremony on February 2nd, 2010 was presided over by then Chairman Oscar de la Renta and was made possible through the support of the Ministry of Culture of Spain, the Spain USA Foundation, and Mrs. Jean Van Waveren. The first translation prize was presented to Edith Grossman.

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2014

The Mission

During the February 12th, 2014 Board of Directors Meeting, a resolution to sell the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute’s 684 Park Avenue headquarters was made in order to exclusively dedicate funds to fulfilling the Institute’s mission.

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2018

Sophia Award for Excellence

On December 12th, 2018, the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute held the first Sophia Award Luncheon. The name “Sophia” represents the Greek word for wisdom. The Sophia Award for Excellence pays tribute to its name and is presented to a person or organization that has actively contributed to the international appreciation of Spain and the Americas through a donation of time, expertise, and an innate wisdom in the areas of sciences, arts, or humanities.

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GET INVOLVED

Your contribution matters.

Donations and volunteers help us fulfill our mission to promote Hispanic cultural appreciation and education in the U.S.

DONATE

The Institute depends on donations and membership fees from the public to operate and grow.

PARTNER WITH US

The Institute partners with many like-minded organizations to help progress its mission and widen its reach.

VOLUNTEER

Find out how you can volunteer with the Institute and make a difference in your local community and abroad.

Support the Institute