Queen Sofía Spanish Institute Mission

The Spanish Institute was founded in 1954 to promote greater awareness and understanding of the culture of the Spanish-speaking world in the United States. Since its foundation, the Institute has sought to further its mission through a variety of programs. The activities focus on particular aspects of Spanish culture, past and present, and the remarkable influence this culture has in the Americas.

In recognition of the support given to the Institute through the years by Her Majesty Queen Sofía of Spain, the Institute was renamed Queen Sofía Spanish Institute in November 2003.

The Institute provides professional language instruction by native Spanish speakers from Latin America and Spain and a number of specialized courses, including Spanish for business, law and medical sciences, and offers quality translation services in Spanish and English. The Institute also has youngsters learning Spanish.

The lectures, round-table discussions and book presentations address topics of current international interest in public affairs and the arts. The Spanish and American participants are distinguished experts in their fields.  The fine arts exhibitions strive to reveal interesting aspects of Spanish art and collections and are often developed with the collaboration of other institutions.

The Institute reaches out to public and private schools in the New York area, providing lectures on Spanish and Latin American art and guided tours of the exhibitions.                                                              
Once a year, The Gold Medal Gala awards are given to outstanding individuals from Spain, the United States and Latin America who have played a significant role in strengthening the relationship between the Spanish-speaking world and the United States.

The Institute is funded by individual and corporate memberships, donations, foundation grants, the Gold Medal Gala and an Endowment Fund. The Board of Directors is composed of American, Spanish and Latin American men and women who support and participate in the activities of the institution.

The members take an active part in all programs and their interest and support is essential to the continuing vitality of the organization.

The Institute holds many of its activities in its beautiful McKim, Mead & White landmark building at 684 Park Avenue.