TENTE returns to Fuengirola: free exhibition showcases original models, vehicles and spacecraft

Fuengirola is opening a new exhibition this week that is likely to bring back plenty of memories for several generations. From 21 September to 6 November, the City Museum will host an exhibition dedicated to TENTE, the Spanish construction toy that became especially popular during the 1970s and 1980s.

Admission is free, and the exhibition brings together both original models and new creations built by enthusiasts. Ships, vehicles, buildings, everyday objects and spacecraft are among the pieces on display, including several large-scale constructions.

From 1980s toy to collector’s item

TENTE became one of the most recognisable construction toys in Spanish homes during the 1980s.

Although its block-building concept may resemble other well-known construction systems, TENTE developed its own identity thanks to its distinctive connection system. One of its most recognisable features is the hole in the centre of each stud, which forms part of the way the pieces fit together.

The original production era came to an end in 1993, following the collapse of EXIN, the company behind the toy.

The brand was later acquired by Educa-Borrás, which introduced new models and reissued some earlier designs in the late 1990s. Production eventually stopped again in 2008, although TENTE never disappeared completely from the lives of its fans.

The children who grew up with TENTE now build with their own families

One of the reasons TENTE has remained relevant decades later is its dedicated community of collectors and enthusiasts.

Many of those who played with the construction sets as children kept their pieces, complete models and collections. Over time, some began creating their own designs, sharing ideas with other fans and introducing the toy to a new generation.

The Fuengirola exhibition reflects that evolution. TENTE is presented not only as a nostalgic toy from the past, but also as a creative system that continues to inspire new designs.

At a time when entertainment is increasingly dominated by screens and digital devices, building with physical pieces also offers a more hands-on experience based on imagination, planning and creating something from scratch.

Ships, vehicles, buildings and large-scale creations

The exhibition at Fuengirola City Museum includes a wide selection of custom models built using TENTE pieces.

Most of them have been designed directly by fans rather than copied from the original commercial sets.

The displays are grouped around different themes, including ships, vehicles, spacecraft, buildings and everyday objects, as well as other creations developed entirely from the imagination of their builders.

Some models stand out because of their size and complexity, showing how a construction toy can evolve into a hobby involving design, technical skill and many hours of work.

The exhibition also includes a section dedicated to original TENTE models, allowing visitors to compare the classic sets with the much more ambitious creations produced by today’s enthusiasts.

Tenteland: the community keeping TENTE alive

The exhibition is produced by the Tenteland Association, created by a group of enthusiasts who have spent years sharing their interest in TENTE.

The association works to promote knowledge of the toy and helps organise exhibitions around Spain.

Its community has also organised meet-ups and regular competitions for original builds, helping ensure that TENTE remains visible rather than becoming simply a forgotten toy from another era.

The brand itself has also entered a new chapter in recent years. In 2021, iUNITS was created by a group of enthusiasts with the aim of reviving TENTE commercially, later reaching an agreement with Educa-Borrás to use the brand.

Opening times for the TENTE exhibition in Fuengirola

The exhibition can be visited at the Fuengirola City Museum, on Calle María Josefa Larrucea.

Entry is free, and the exhibition runs until 6 November 2026.

Practical information:

• Exhibition: TENTE construction toy exhibition
• Dates: 21 September to 6 November
• Venue: Fuengirola City Museum
• Address: Calle María Josefa Larrucea, Fuengirola
• Price: Free admission
• Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
• Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Mondays: Closed
• Telephone: 952 58 93 49

A free plan to discover another side of Fuengirola

The exhibition is likely to appeal both to those who remember playing with TENTE as children and to families who want to introduce the construction system to younger generations.

It also tells an unusual story: how a toy whose original production ended decades ago has continued to inspire collectors, new designs and communities of enthusiasts.

Combining nostalgia, creativity and small-scale engineering, the City Museum is offering a different kind of cultural plan in Fuengirola over the coming weeks — and one that is completely free to visit.

Opening times and full details can be found in the official Fuengirola Town Hall agenda.