The Kursaal is Rafael Moneo's striking congress centre and auditorium at the mouth of the Urumea river, where the river meets the sea and the Playa de la Zurriola begins. Two large translucent glass cubes — one housing the main auditorium, one the smaller hall — sit on a broad terrace above the beach. The interior is elegant and technically accomplished; the main hall has superb acoustics.
During the San Sebastián Film Festival in September the Kursaal becomes the main festival venue, and the red carpet on its terrace is where the stars arrive. The film festival itself has been held here since 1953 (briefly interrupted) and ranks among Europe's top festivals alongside Cannes, Venice, and Berlin — it is the reason San Sebastián punches above its weight in cultural terms. The Kursaal also hosts concerts and events throughout the year; check the programme online.