Building of the Banco Mercantil e Industrial, Former bank building in Centro, Madrid, Spain
The Building of the Banco Mercantil e Industrial is a former bank at Alcala Street 31 featuring a monumental facade with bronze columns and a central arched vault. The exhibition spaces occupy the main vault and first floor, both accessible to visitors at no cost throughout the week.
This structure was completed in 1945 following the Spanish Civil War and represents one of the final designs by architect Antonio Palacios in Madrid. Its construction marked the city's architectural recovery during the postwar rebuilding period.
The building now serves as a contemporary art exhibition center managed by Madrid's regional government, hosting rotating shows of current artistic work. It has become a gathering space for visitors interested in exploring modern creative expression.
The exhibition spaces are freely accessible throughout the week and offer a comfortable environment for visiting. The building is located in the city center, making it easy to reach, though navigating the historic interior layout may require some attention.
The facade combines stainless steel elements with glass blocks, features that were innovative for postwar Spanish architecture. These material choices were unconventional for the era and gave the building its distinctive appearance.
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