Madrid’s Top 10 : Entertainment Venues

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  1. Centro Cultural Conde Duque

    For
    most of the year this cultural centre hosts temporary art exhibitions.
    During the annual Summer Arts Festival, however, opera, plays and
    concerts are also on the programme, many of the events staged outdoors.

    • Calle del Conde Duque 11




    Centro Cultural Conde Duque

  2. Cine Doré

    This
    beautiful 1920s cinema is now the headquarters of the 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 has gone
    from strength to strength. This is the venue for classical operas, such
    as Mozart and Verdi, performed by international as well as Spanish
    companies. The season runs from September to July. If all you want to do
    is look around, the theatre is open for tours and there’s a café in the
    former ballroom .




  4. Teatro Nacional de la Zarzuela

    This beautiful theatre dates from 1856 and was built especially to stage zarzuela, a form of light opera unique to Spain and especially popular in Madrid. After decades of neglect zarzuela is now being revived and the theatre commissions new works from time to time as well as performing classic farces such as The Barber of Lavapiés and The Pharoah’s Court. The season runs from September to June. During the summer, the theatre is used for Flamenco, ballet and other cultural events.

    • Calle de Jovellanos 4

  5. Casa de América

    The
    Neo-Baroque Palacio de Linares, an architectural monument in its own
    right dominating the southern end of the Paseo de Recoletos, is now a
    cultural centre showcasing Latin American arts, with a regular programme
    of films, exhibitions and concerts. There is also a good bookshop, café
    and the Paradís restaurant.

    • Paseo de Recoletos 4




    Casa de América

  6. Centro Cultural de la Villa

    Events at this important arts centre range from temporary art exhibitions to ballet, jazz, dramatic plays, zarzuela and experimental theatre.

    • Plaza de Colón

  7. Fundación Juan March

    Fans
    of modern art will enjoy the temporary exhibitions here, which are
    world class. The foundation also sponsors lunchtime chamber concerts and
    recitals on weekdays, usually starting around noon (monthly programme
    available from the centre). While you’re here, take a look at some of
    the modern sculptures in the forecourt such as Meeting place (1975) by Eduardo Chillida .

  8. Auditorio Nacional de Música

    This
    modern concert hall, in a residential district north of the centre, is
    the home of the National Orchestra of Spain and the major venue for
    symphony concerts from October to June. The Orchestra of the Comunidad
    de Madrid also plays here, as well as international ensembles.

    • Calle del Príncipe de Vergara 146

    • Metro Cruz del Rayo




    Auditorio Nacional de Música

  9. La Riviera

    If
    you’re interested in hearing pop and rock acts such as Massive Attack,
    Suede or the Rollins Band, this is where they’re most likely to perform
    while in Madrid. Acoustics and visibility are both good (better than in
    many similar venues) and fans can cool off in the summer when the roof
    is drawn back. Also holds discos.

    • Paseo de la Virgen del Puerto

  10. Teatro Monumental

    Designed
    by Teodoro Anasagasti in 1922, this theatre, renowned 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.

    • Calle de Atocha 65