 On May 18, 1954, The Institute was incorporated as a non-political, non-profit organization under the laws of the State of New York.Its mission is to stimulate interest in the culture, history and customs of Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries in the United States, and vice versa.In 1965, The Marquesa de Cuevas, the philanthropist Margaret Rockefeller Strong, saved the landmark building 684 Park Avenue from destruction.