Covering almost 60 000m2, this cultural venue is home to exhibition spaces, an auditorium, and a theatre that stages shows throughout the year.
The imposing building, with its distinctive pink hued façade, was originally erected in the early 18th century during the reign of King Philip V as a barracks for the elite Royal Corps guards. Built under the auspices of architect Pedro de Ribera, this wonderful example of the Madrid barroque architecture of yesteryear was declared a Historical-Artistic Monument in 1976 which saved it from being demolished.
In 1869 a fire ripped through the complex partially destroying it. It wasn’t until more than a century later, when it was acquired by Madrid City Council and turned into a cultural centre, that the entire building was fully refurbished. The works, which were completed in 2011, included the restoration of original architectural elements such as the exposed brick.
One of the city’s main cultural centres
Conde Duque is one of the three large cultural venues managed by Madrid’s City Council’s Department of Art, Sport and Tourism. The other two are Matadero Madrid, a former slaughterhouse, and CentroCentro, located in Madrid City Hall and boasting an observation deck with wonderful views of the city.
Conde Duque plays an important part in celebrating and preserving the rich history of the city and, as such, is home to a number of institutions and spaces managed by the Department of Libraries, Archives and Museums and the Department of Heritage and Urban Landscape. These include: Patio Norte, Archivo de la Villa (City’s archives), Hemeroteca Municipal (Newspaper library), exhibition halls, Madrid Museum of Contemporary Art, and four libraries - Biblioteca Pública Benito Pérez Galdós, Histórica Municipal, Biblioteca Musical Victor Espinós and Digital Memoriademadrid.
The complex also houses the offices of municipal company Madrid Destino and the Condeduque Centre of Contemporary Culture which is run by Madrid Destino. The centre comprises the theatre, the conference hall, the auditorium, rehearsal rooms, Sala de bóvedas (Hall of Vaults), Torreón (turret), multipurpose hall, Patio Sur and Patio Central.
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