Contemporary Architecture in Madrid

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In the last decades, Madrid has been investing heavily in the contemporary architecture turning it into a city where the new buildings and the old remodeled constructions have become the icons of the Spanish capital. Architects like César Pelli, Norman Foster, Richard Rogers and Herzog & de Meuron have managed to transform the city, perfectly integrating the spaces that seem to come from the future. How about a tour of the streets that are a contemporary art exhibit?  You will find an amazing fusion of aesthetic and functionality and discover all about the innovative use of the materials.

 

Only twelve kilometres from the city centre, the airport has excellent transport links and a wide range of services.

Nicknamed "the viewpoint", this contemporary block of flats boasts a large balcony which looks out over the nearby mountain range.

This natural environment surrounded by the River Manzanares in the Usera area is ideal for leisure and recreation.

One of the world’s leading art galleries boasting works by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Titian, Rubens and Hieronymus Bosch, among others.

The Reina Sofía Museum houses one of the finest collections of contemporary art in the world, including Picasso's iconic Guernica.

This vibrant cultural centre is famous for its temporary exhibitions and its amazing vertical garden.

A facade of bamboo is the hallmark of this emblematic sustainable and ecological building in Carabanchel.

In the far north of Castellana is this new “Madrid city” and the highest building in Spain.

A striking hotel for its cutting-edge interior design, the work of leading architects and artists.

The city's old slaughterhouse, at Madrid Río Park, has been transformed into a cultural megacomplex.

Running along the bank of the River Manzanares, this beautiful new park is the perfect place to have a long, laid-back lunch and spend the afternoon strolling, cycling or simply people-watching.

Headquarters of BBVA bank in Madrid, including a 93 metre tall elliptical tower known as La Vela.

Set in the Linear Park of the Manzanares River, it is one of the city's great symbols of contemporary architecture.

This cultural space in the Conde Duque neighbourhood is home to the ABC Collection, one of the largest illustration collections in the world, declared a Site of Cultural Interest.

 

Listed as a Cultural Interest Site in 2001, this building is one of the most significant works of contemporary Spanish architecture.

A modern theatre complex that hosts major Spanish and international theatre performances and concerts.

A non-profit organisation devoted to research, education and the preparation of architecture, design and urban development projects.

A multifunctional and modern complex for the citizen, dedicated to architecture.

A beautiful industrial building dating from the early 20th Century, refurbished in 1996, is home to the Madrid premises of the prestigious foundation from Cantabria.

 

The impressive outline of Europe's first skyscraper overlooks the Gran Vía.

Groundbreaking and avant-garde headquarters of the Free Educational Institution, located in the heart of Chamberí.

 

Unique cultural space housed in Madrid’s Former Tobacco Factory in the Lavapiés neighbourhood. TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR RENOVATION.

The two Kio Towers, designed by John Burgee Architecs, are the most famous feature of the Madrid skyline.

Visit Atlético de Madrid's home ground, the stadium that hosted the 2019 Champions League Final!

Building dedicated to innovation and the dissemination of new technologies located in the district of Villaverde.

Spiral-shaped apartment building located on one of the tallest hills in Vallecas.

Designed by Miguel Fisac, this building, located next to Madrid Río, is famous for experimenting with exposed concrete.

An icon of Spanish organic architecture, which won the Prize for European Excellence in 1974.

Residential building voted Architectural Design of the Year by the Outstanding Property Awards for its efficiency and sustainability, in the Arganzuela district.

Sport, tradition and leisure are combined in an exceptional architectural setting near El Pardo.

DON'T MISS

Download free maps and guides to the city to help you plan your trip.

Discover the city's most popular sights and attractions, from one of Europe's largest royal palaces to the magnificent Prado Museum and Real Madrid's stadium. 

at the end of september

  • Tenth edition of the architecture and city festival that enables unique buildings and spaces in Madrid to be visited (Various venues. September 2024).

    Open House Madrid 2024
  • UMusic Hotel - Teatro Albéniz
  • The tireless quest for a distinctly Spanish style resulted, between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, in the construction of bullrings, railway stations, schools, factories and homes that we now identify as examples of Neo-Mudéjar architecture.

    Neo-Mudéjar, A Spanish Architectural Style
  • Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, 1929. Obra de José Espelius. Foto de Álvaro López del Cerro.
  • A route through the Madrid of this remarkable architect and urban planner. Do you know which buildings and facilities he designed?  

    Antonio Palacios’s Madrid
  • El Madrid de Antonio Palacios
  • An event to discover the world of architecture and urban development through itineraries, exhibitions and talks (Various locations. Sept-Oct).

    Architecture Week 2024
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  • A short but fascinating introduction to the city’s main museums which boast an important cultural heritage encompassing most European styles

    Art in Madrid Guide (PDF)
  • Art in Madrid Guide
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  • Ahora arquitectura (Architecture Now) Guided Tours

    Ahora arquitectura

    All kinds of activities designed to get to know, appreciate and arouse interest in the architecture, urbanism and art by giving a complete overview of the Madrid architecture.

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  • Pasear Madrid (Madrid Walk) Guided Tours

    Pasear Madrid

    College of Architects of Madrid and Madrid Visitors & Convention Bureau get together to organize a tour promoting the cultural and architectural tourism of Madrid.

ALSO CHECK OUT

  • A selection of ten statues around the city that come out to meet visitors

    Madrid Statues
  • Estatuas de Madrid

DON’T MISS

  • A one-kilometre stretch that is home to three of the best museums in the world: the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofía. 

    Paseo del Arte
  • Discover the city's most popular sights and attractions, from one of Europe's largest royal palaces to the magnificent Prado Museum and Real Madrid's stadium. 

    Madrid Top 10
  • Palacio Real

YOU MIGHT ENJOY

  • Pick one of our themed itineraries and discover the city through the eyes of some our Madrid's most renowned artists.

    Themed Itineraries
  • Turistas Madrid
  • Numerous gods and goddesses protect Madrid's streets, perched atop its fountains and on the rooftops of its tallest buildings, making the city a veritable Olympus.

    Mythological Madrid
  • Madrid mitológico. Ganímedes sobre el ave Fénix.

OFFICIAL PRODUCTS

The city’s new official sightseeing and tourist travel pass.

An observation deck at 92 metres.

Our online store (in Spanish) sells artisan souvenirs.