The stunning Palacio de Cibeles is not only the headquarters of Madrid City Council, it is also home to CentroCentro. This cultural centre in the Paseo del Arte - Art Walk is an intercultural meeting place, a large public square for the general public, and a setting for participation, action, leisure and learning. Approached in a transversal and multidisciplinary way, through design, illustration, architecture and urbanism, poetry and literature, fashion and the arts, it aims to put together proposals and reflections that address elements of change in customs, urban uses, flows and social relations. The activities put on here include exhibitions, concerts, workshops, seminars, meetings, reading groups, performances, screenings, and publications.
The former Postal and Telegraph Courtyard, on the second floor, remains the emblematic and functional soul of the palace and maintains its original communications function. Today, in addition to cultural activities, it has a cultural information point about the city and a cafeteria. The former chapel of the Telecommunications Palace is a unique space that hosts different activities such as meetings, conferences, and poetry cycles. The various exhibitions areas are spread over the first, third, fourth, and fifth floors, covering more than 8000 m2.
On an underground level that did not exist in the old building, this new space has been created, located under the Crystal Gallery. With the capacity to hold up to 262 people, it is fully accessible and can accommodate activities in different formats such as conferences, presentations, and concerts.
The building has two restaurants: Colección Cibeles on the ground floor and Palacio de Cibeles on the 6th. Both are open Monday to Sunday.
Also on the sixth floor is Terraza Cibeles, a great rooftop bar where you can relax with a pre-dinner drink or mid-afternoon snack as you take in the wonderful views of the Plaza de Cibeles and the Madrid skyline.
For even more breath-taking vistas, head up to the Mirador observation deck on the 8th floor.
The Palace, designed by acclaimed architects Antonio Palacios and Joaquín Otamendi, was opened in 1919 and originally served as the Head Post Office. Declared a Cultural Heritage Monument in 1993, it has a Functionalistic design and is one of the oldest examples of Modernist architecture in Spain.
Guided tours of the building and Mirador observation deck
CentroCentro now offers free guided tours of the building and of the observation deck. To take part in either you must book in advance by email info@centrocentro.org, at the information desk (main floor) or by phone at (+34) 914 800 008.
Tours are available in Spanish, English, French and Italian and a maximum of five people (plus the guide) are allowed. The tour of the building lasts 60 minutes and of the observation deck 30 mins.
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