The exhibition Talking Machines. The Art of Capturing Sound can be seen at the National Library of Spain (BNE) from October 16, 2025, to February 8, 2026. It invites visitors to discover the BNE's exceptional sound heritage through the evolution of sound technology, bringing the history of sound recording and reproduction closer to both the curious and researchers.

"Talking Machines" was the term used to describe the first devices capable of recording and reproducing sound in the late 19th century. The expression captured the fascination with inventions such as the phonograph or gramophone, which made it possible to listen time and again to what was once ephemeral. These devices forever transformed the way people interacted with voice and music, launching a cultural and technological movement that opened new spaces for gathering, reinvented the music experience, and radically changed daily life

The exhibition offers a journey through this sound revolution and displays historical devices. It invites reflection on the very act of listening, showcasing how phonograph parlors, homes, town squares, or outdoor gatherings shaped new ways of sharing music.

Organized by the National Library of Spain, it is held in collaboration with the Friends of the BNE Foundation and ACS Foundation.

Exhibition brochure

From October 3 to 13, 2025, the activities of the XXII International Architecture Week took place. Organized by COAM Architecture Foundation and the Official College of Architects of Madrid, the event aimed to bring architecture and architectural heritage closer to the public. This edition featured Portugal as the guest country.

The program included exhibitions, conferences, tours, children's activities and guided visits. Thanks to the sponsorship of ACS Foundation, free visits to more than 60 buildings and over 40 itineraries were scheduled for all audiences. These are open-door days at emblematic institutional headquarters that are not usually open to the public, as well as thematic itineraries in different areas of the city.

For the 2025 edition, the program incorporated visits to the Defense General Headquarters building, the Air Ministry, and new itineraries such as "Madrid in the Movies" and "Villaverde Alto" among others.

Complete information at https://www.semanaarquitecturamadrid.com/

On September 23, 2025, the First National Meeting of cities awarded with the Access City Award took place in Córdoba. The event was organized by the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) and the Córdoba City Council, with the collaboration of ACS Foundation.

The meeting brought together the 18 Spanish cities that have received an award or special mention from the Access City Award. These awards have been presented since 2010 by the European Commission and the European Disability Forum, aiming to recognize cities that have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to universal accessibility as a driver of urban transformation towards fairer, safer, and more accessible environments for all.

The inauguration featured speeches by Mr. José María Bellido Roche, Mayor of Córdoba; Mr. Luis Martínez-Sicluna Sepúlveda, Secretary General of the FEMP; Mr. Luis Cayo Pérez Bueno, President of the National CERMI; and Mr. José Mayor Oreja, Director of ACS Foundation.

During the event, the participating city councils were able to exchange experiences and progress made since receiving the award or mention, highlighting their leadership in promoting universal accessibility.

The meeting culminated with the reading of the Córdoba Declaration for Universally Accessible Cities (spanish), which emphasizes the commitment of the participating entities to accessibility as a cross-cutting axis of their public policies, fostering the participation of people with disabilities and their representatives in the design of accessible cities.

Awarded Spanish Cities:

-      Ávila: 2011, 1st Prize

-      Barcelona: 2011 / 2022, 2nd and 3rd Prize

-      Santander: 2012, 2nd Prize

-      Terrassa: 2012, Special Mention

-      Bilbao: 2013, Special Mention

-      Pamplona: 2013, Special Mention

-      Burgos: 2014, Special Mention

-      Málaga: 2014, Special Mention

-      Arona: 2015, Special Mention

-      Logroño: 2015, Special Mention

-      Lugo: 2017, Special Mention

-      Vigo: 2019, Special Mention

-      Castellón de la Plana: 2020, 2nd Prize

-      Palma: 2022, Special Mention

-      Córdoba: 2023, 2nd Prize

-      Mérida: 2023, Special Mention

-      San Cristóbal de La Laguna: 2024, 1st Prize

-      Cartagena: 2025, 3rd Prize

From July 30 to October 9, the restoration work being carried out in the Capilla del Sagrario of the Collegiate Church of Briviesca (Burgos) can be visited, with the collaboration of the ACS Foundation.

The Capilla del Sagrario had been closed due to serious damage to its walls caused by water infiltration from the roof and subsequent migration of salts into the masonry. After addressing the roof's waterproofing, the Regional Government of Castilla y León has authorized emergency work in the chapel to stabilize the various strata, consolidate disaggregated areas, and monitor humidity levels.

This activity, called “Open for Works”, allows small groups to tour the installed scaffolding and observe the progress of the stabilization process of the wall and their mural paintings, accompanied by restoration technicians. 

Mandatory registration here

From August 3 to 14, the XXVIII edition of the Aspaym Summer Camp took place in Cubillos de Sil (León), organized by the National Aspaym Federation and the Royal Board on Disability, with the collaboration of ACS Foundation and other institutions.

More than 130 children, with and without disabilities, from across Spain, enjoyed inclusive activities and dynamics alongside thirty monitors at the accessible facilities of "El Bosque de los Sueños" (The Forest of Dreams). The common theme for all games in this edition was disco music.

This initiative helps fulfill Article 30 of the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which promotes participation in cultural life, recreational activities, leisure, and sports.