ENTERTAINMENT VENUES
1. Centro Cultural Conde Duque
Calle del Conde Duque 11 • www.condeduquemadrid.es
For most of the year this cultural centre hosts temporary art exhibitions. During the annual Summer Arts Festival, opera, plays and concerts are on the programme, with many events staged outdoors.
2. Cine Doré
Calle de Santa Isabel 3 • www.culturaydeporte.gob.es
This beautiful 1920s cinema is now the headquarters of the Spanish National Film Institute. There are two screens showing an excellent selection of classic and contemporary films in the original version, and at very reasonable prices. During the summer, films are also shown on an outdoor screen on the terrace (book ahead). The café in the foyer is a good place to meet up with friends.
3. Teatro Real
Since its renovation in the 1990s, Madrid’s splendid opera house (see Teatro Real) now seats up to 1,750 spectators. It has earned its international acclaim as one of the most iconic cultural venues for classical operas, performed by international and Spanish companies. The season runs from September to July and audio guide tours are available in multiple languages, if you want to look around this spectacular building.
Elegant façade of the Teatro Real
4. Teatro de la Zarzuela
Calle de Jovellanos 4 • www.teatrodelazarzuela.mcu.es
The beautiful Teatro de la Zarzuela dates from 1856 and was built especially to stage zarzuela, a form of light opera unique to Spain. After decades of neglect, zarzuela is seeing a revival and the theatre commissions new works from time to time, as well as performing classics such as The Barber of Lavapiés and The Pharaoh’s Court. The season runs from September to June. During the summer, the theatre is used for flamenco and ballet performances.
5. Teatro Fernán Gómez
Plaza de Colón 4 • www.teatrofernangomez.es
Events at this important arts centre range from temporary art exhibitions to ballet, jazz, dramatic plays, zarzuela and experimental theatre.
6. Casa de América
Plaza de Cibeles s/n • www.casamerica.es
The Neo-Baroque Palacio de Linares, a marvellous architectural monument in its own right, dominating the southern end of the Paseo de Recoletos, is now a major cultural centre showcasing Latin American arts. It offers a regular programme of films, exhibitions and concerts, plus a good bookshop, café and the Cien Llaves restaurant.
Casa de América
7. Fundación Juan March
Fans of modern art will enjoy the world-class temporary exhibitions held here (see Fundación Juan March). The cultural and scientific foundation also sponsors lunchtime chamber concerts on weekdays, usually starting around noon (the monthly programme is available from the centre). While here, take a look at some of the modern sculptures in the forecourt such as Meeting Place (1975) by Eduardo Chillida.
8. Sala Riviera
Paseo Bajo de la Virgen del Puerto • www.salariviera.com
If you’re interested in hearing pop and rock acts such as Nickelback, Noel Gallagher or The Vaccines, this is where they’re most likely to perform while in Madrid. Acoustics and visibility are both good (better than many venues) and fans can cool off in the summer when the roof is drawn back. It is also a popular club, featuring local and international DJs.
9. Teatro Monumental
Calle de Atocha 65 • www.rtve.es
Designed by Teodoro Anasagasti in 1922, and remodelled in 2018, this theatre, known for its acoustics, is the home of both the RTVE orchestra and choir (Spain’s state radio and television company), as well as the acclaimed Madrid Symphony Orchestra.
10. Auditorio Nacional de Música
Calle del Príncipe de Vergara 146 • Metro Prosperidad, Cruz del Rayo • www.auditorionacional.mcu.es
This modern concert hall, in a residential district north of the centre, is home to the National Orchestra of Spain, and the major venue for symphony concerts from October to June. The Orchestra of the Comunidad de Madrid also performs here, as do a number of international ensembles.
