At the helm of Fundación Ibercaja since 2017, José Luis Rodrigo beams widely when asked about the Foundation’s future projects. An institution that next year – in 2026 – will celebrate 150 years of history and is facing the celebration of this anniversary with the expansion of the Goya Museum and a renewed commitment to education and innovation. 2026 will be a key year.
From his office in Zaragoza, Rodrigo reviews the fundamental pillars of this foundation, with social action as its DNA, complemented by education, culture, sustainability, and mobility.
Fundación Ibercaja is preparing for the reopening of the Goya Museum and has just reached an agreement with Microsoft, the Government of Aragón, and Ibercaja Banco for the creation of IAON, a project to democratize and promote the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence. It consolidates its role as a social and cultural engine in Aragón and plans to increase its presence in new areas of Spain. «Our commitment is to give back to society what the bank generates», states its general director.
Our activity focuses on three major pillars: social action, education, and culture. In our 2025-2027 strategic plan, we have placed greater emphasis on childhood. We have educational programs for all segments of the population: from children to vocational training, collaboration with the university, and entrepreneurship projects.
The origins of the Savings Bank and Mont de Piedad of Zaragoza, Aragón, and Rioja 150 years ago was to encourage saving in society. This important historical responsibility has made financial education a constant presence, and today it is a very relevant activity of the Foundation.
We are very proud of our cultural activities, such as Tuesday Book Clubs, Music Box, or exhibitions and conferences. I want to highlight the Goya Museum, which is the second museum in the world with the most Goya works, only behind the Prado Museum. It is in the process of expansion and will reopen in 2026.
We have established initiatives for 20 years, such as the Young Painting Award, where over 300 emerging artists under 35 are presented. We also take care of heritage conservation, such as the Patio de la Infanta and the Villahermosa Palace in Huesca.
It is currently closed due to the expansion we are undertaking. It will reopen in October 2026, with a major exhibition about Goya.
This is something we are very proud of. We have over 500 works, 31 of which are by Goya. With the expansion, the Museum will have a study center dedicated to Goya.
The world is changing and requires different needs. That is why we are working on cutting-edge projects. We have just signed an agreement with Microsoft, the Government of Aragón, and Ibercaja Banco to develop a study center on artificial intelligence.
2026 is going to be a key year. There will be emblematic exhibitions and social and educational activities. We are working on new programs to support childhood and medical research.
We want to convey that the people of Aragón are very supportive. If that message is perceived through our activities, we feel very gratified.
Mobility City is one of the major realities of the Foundation, known and recognized internationally. How did this initiative arise? In 2018, I presented the challenge to the Foundation’s Board to provide content for the Bridge Pavilion and create a technological museum about the future of mobility.
