This impressive building rises up in the heart of Calle Alcalá, whose magnificent and luxury hall can be seen from outside. Although the origins of the Royal Casino of Madrid date back to 1836 through a select group of speakers, it was in 1903 when the land between Calle Alcalá and Calle de la Aduana were acquired to construct the current building, which was opened in 1910. In 1993, the building was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in the Monument category.
The Royal Casino is a distinguished social club whose members can enjoy a wide range of cultural and sports activities. Its origins date back to 1836, when a group of young men who were regulars at the Sólito cafeteria (located in front of the Teatro del Príncipe and destroyed years later due to the extension of the Plaza de Santa Ana) decided to formalise their meetings and have a place of their own to meet. The club had different venues until it was finally set up in the current building, which was built for this purpose.
Today, the headquarters of the Royal Casino also hosts different public and private social events.
The building is a magnificent example of Madrid’s eclecticism at the beginning of the 20th century, combining French and Baroque tendencies. Leading artists and artisans were involved in the interior decoration, in which the large ball room, the Mauméjean Neo-Baroque and modernist stained glass and the main staircase in a unique modernist style, which is one of the best in Madrid, all stand out.
Its gastronomy offer includes the Paco Roncero Restaurant, previously known as La Terraza del Casino, which boasts two Michelin stars. The designer, Jaime Hayón, is responsible for giving the establishment a luxury and modern feel, in line with its menu. In addition to the avant-garde cuisine by Paco Roncero, the space is surprising with a spectacular black and white chequer board floor, elaborate chandeliers, bevelled mirrors on the walls that make the space look bigger, bluish-grey seats in a variety of shapes, original porcelain figures and a private room that stands out even more, if possible, for its elegance, from whose ceiling an impressive chandelier hangs and is decorated with hand-painted dishes.