Alhacena, the Reina Sofía Museum’s new reception area
The Reina Sofía Museum has added Alhacena, a new space designed by Jorge Penadés that invites visitors to pause, chat,
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Madrid, 15 June 2026.– SIE, Spain is Excellence, held the fifth edition of the SIE Awards for Excellence at the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, an event that once again brought together representatives from the business, cultural, tourism, gastronomy, sport and institutional sectors with the aim of recognising initiatives and achievements that help to strengthen Spain’s image both nationally and internationally.
At this year’s ceremony, the awards recognised Palomo Spain in the Fashion category; Carmen Posadas in Culture; Paraguas Group in Gastronomy; Vega Sicilia in Family Business; “la Caixa” Foundation in a large company; Menorca Island Council in Tourism; and Fernando Verdasco in Sport.
The SIE Awards are presented annually to professionals, organisations and projects that stand out for their contribution to excellence, innovation, sustainability, creativity and Spain’s international profile. Spanning a range of sectors, the winners represent different ways of creating value and helping to position the country as a global leader.
During the event, Ana Alonso, CEO of SIE (Spain is Excellence), highlighted the importance of recognising the talent and commitment found in a variety of fields which, through their respective areas of activity, help to project a strong and positive image of Spain.
The Fashion category honoured Palomo Spain for his contribution to contemporary Spanish design and his presence on the international scene.
In the Culture category, the award went to Carmen Posadas, whose literary career has contributed to the promotion of Spanish-language literature and the enrichment of the cultural landscape.
The Gastronomy category awarded the prize to Paraguas Group, a leading name in the catering sector thanks to its commitment to quality, experience and hospitality.
In the Family Business category, the award went to Vega Sicilia, one of the most iconic names in the Spanish wine industry, renowned for its heritage, continuity and excellence.
For its part, “la Caixa” Foundation It received the award in the Large Enterprise category for the scope of its social, educational, scientific and cultural activities.
In the Tourism category, the award was presented to the Menorca Island Council for their work in promoting a model of tourism based on sustainability, environmental conservation and regional identity.
Finally, the Sport category recognised Fernando Verdasco, whose career has helped to raise the international profile of Spanish sport.
The winners were selected by a jury comprising leading professionals from various fields, including Cari Lapique, Cayetana Guillén-Cuervo, Pepa Muñoz, Iker Casillas, Charo Izquierdo, Juan Manuel González Serna and Fernando de Yarza, amongst others.
The diversity of profiles reflects SIE’s philosophy, which views excellence as a cross-cutting value capable of making an impact across multiple sectors and disciplines.
The ceremony was attended by more than 250 people, including business leaders, representatives of various organisations, SIE partners, executives and professionals from the tourism, cultural, gastronomic, business and sports sectors.
Following the awards ceremony, those present enjoyed a cocktail reception at the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, in a setting that encouraged the exchange of ideas and the creation of new synergies between organisations committed to promoting excellence and raising Spain’s international profile.
The diversity of profiles reflects SIE’s philosophy, which views excellence as a cross-cutting value capable of making an impact across multiple sectors and disciplines.
The fifth edition of the SIE Awards was organised in collaboration with the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, Castilla Termal Brihuega, The Arc Collection, eSIMFLAG, Linkroad, Inspiring Soho, Don Carlos Marbella, Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort and the Teatro Real.
The fifth edition of the SIE Awards once again highlighted that Spanish excellence is built across a wide range of fields, yet all share a common goal: to make an impact, to inspire and to project an authentic image of Spain to the world. From culture and creativity to business, sport, gastronomy and tourism, the award winners embody a vision of success rooted in commitment, quality and the ability to leave a lasting mark. It was a night of celebration that reaffirmed the value of talent as one of our country’s greatest ambassadors.
Alhacena, the Reina Sofía Museum’s new reception area
The Reina Sofía Museum has added Alhacena, a new space designed by Jorge Penadés that invites visitors to pause, chat,
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