Artist Rosana Largo Rodríguez Receives First National Prize for the Museum of Stories and Science at Spain Creative Cup 2025

FIRST NATIONAL PRIZE FOR THE MUSEUM OF STORIES AND SCIENCE  Paredes de Nava makes history at the Spain Creative Cup 2025. The Museum of Stories and Science in Paredes de Nava has been awarded the First National Prize in Cultural-Artistic Creativity at the prestigious Spain Creative Cup 2025, held at the Córdoba Conference Palace during the 10th edition of the competition. The award was granted by the Spain Creative Association, the UNESCO Chair in Creative Economy for Sustainable Development, the City Council of Córdoba, and the Network of Creative Cities and Territories of Spain, positioning the project as an emerging benchmark in cultural innovation and territorial development.  

Rosana Largo, director of the museum, European Delegate of LABA, and Delegate of the Académie des Arts, Sciences, Lettres de Paris in Spain and Malta, presented the candidacy with a speech described as inspiring, emotional, and deeply rooted in the territory. She highlighted the museum’s role as an educational, cultural, and scientific driving force in rural Spain, and continues to champion this mission internationally. Her staging, featuring the iconic painting-dress with which she received the Platinum Medal in Paris, once again captivated the audience, who responded with a standing ovation. "This award not only acknowledges a project, but a conviction: that from a small municipality it is possible to transform the future through art, imagination, and knowledge. We have proven that stories can also make science, and that culture has the power to bring an entire territory to life," said Rosana Largo in her speech.

This achievement is shared with the entire community: the City Council of Paredes de Nava, Spain Creative, the City Council of Córdoba, the Network of Creative Cities, the UNESCO Chair, collaborators, visitors, and all those who believe that culture is a true engine for transformation.  The MCYC is now consolidated as an inspiring model of creativity applied to rural development, interdisciplinary education, and cultural innovation.

Artist Rosana Largo Rodríguez

Rosana Largo's Speech

Ladies and gentlemen, members of España Creativa, dear friends: I have always believed that laughter is a sneeze of the heart. Children laugh with their whole body. Their laughter needs no reason, no permission: a falling leaf, a mispronounced word, a dancing shadow is enough to spark a burst of joy. Science confirms it: a child can laugh hundreds of times a day, while an adult barely does. Growing up often means laughing less. Adults no longer laugh from innocence, but from awareness. We measure time, foresee consequences, carry the weight of reality. Laughter becomes rationed. And yet, when we truly laugh—until we bend over, until tears fall—the child we once were returns, reminding us that we are still profoundly human. That is precisely what the Museum of Tales and Science seeks: to awaken those heart-tickles that reconnect adults with their inner child.

This museum was born in a small corner of Castile, in Paredes de Nava, my creative home during the pandemic. I worked alone, in silence, inside a church, feeling safe and deeply grateful. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the Municipal Corporation and the Town Council of Paredes de Nava, especially its Mayor, for believing in me when culture seemed to stop. Your support was not only institutional—it was human. My thanks also to former Senator Carmen Fernández Caballero, who opened the right door at the right moment. This project was built with my own hands, knowledge, and limitations. Fourteen years of work, two years of continuous installation, and a profound desire to show that technology can dialogue with emotion. Arduino, sensors, interactive systems… everything you see has been the result of personal effort and silent dedication.

The museum combines three universal languages: tales, science, and art, and something beautiful happens inside it: intergenerational magic. We bring together children and elders so the visit becomes a living dialogue, a natural space for diversity and inclusion. Classic tales transform when seen through new eyes. The Ugly Duckling, for example, becomes a story about identity, self-esteem, and the value of difference. Through Forgotten, Never Told, we also highlight women inventors and scientists who were erased from history. Today I am wearing a hand-painted dress, part of our “Wardrobe of Tales,” because clothing can also be a language—a bridge between science, art, and literature. Fashion becomes art in movement, serving knowledge rather than appearance.

This museum, born in this town—the cradle of the Spanish Renaissance—has traveled farther than I ever imagined: to the Oscars pre-gala in Los Angeles with the team of LABA, Times Square, Nasdaq, Dubai, Qatar, Miami, Paris, Indonesia… Innovation is not born only in big cities. It also grows among fields, in silence, supported by generous people. This journey also led me to the Académie des Arts, Sciences et Lettres in Paris, where I received the Platinum Medal—an honor I dedicated to the Virgin of Carejas and to my roots. That same medal has been awarded to Irene Curie, the Lumière brothers, Pasteur, Picasso… signing that book was deeply symbolic. I believe this recognition speaks not only about me, but about what this museum represents. Congratulations to all finalists. We are here because we create, we believe, and we care. My wish for each of you is simple: never lose the ability to let your heart, from time to time, sneeze again. Thank you very much!

Artist Rosana Largo Rodríguez (center) with guests and attendees

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