Gaviria Palace

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This 19^th-century palace is located on Calle Arenal, a stone’s throw from Puerta del Sol. Built between 1846 and 1847 by architect Aníbal Álvarez Bouquel, it was commissioned by banker and stockbroker Manuel Gaviria y Douza, Marquis of Gaviria. One of the most sumptuous palaces of its time, it is an example of Palazzo style architecture.

Inaugurated by Queen Isabel II in 1851, it was well-known for the parties it hosted, which could be seen by passers-by through the balconies. Boasting a wonderful interior, particularly noteworthy are the frescoes in the exhibitions rooms, painted by Joaquín Espalter y Rull. The building was declared a Place of Cultural Interest in 1977.

Between 1991 and 2011, it housed one of the city’s most popular nightclubs. After a large renovation, it reopened in 2017 as an exhibition space for Arthemisia, an Italian company specialising in the production, organisation and staging of major exhibitions.