Metropolis Building, Beaux-Arts office building at Gran Vía and Alcalá Street, Madrid, Spain
The Metropolis Building is a Beaux-Arts office structure that rises at the corner of Gran Vía and Alcalá Street in Madrid, standing approximately 45 meters tall. Its distinctive slate dome is covered in gold leaf, and the facade features multiple decorative sculptural sets.
French architects Jules and Raymond Février designed this structure in 1905 for the insurance company La Unión y el Fénix, with construction completed in 1911. This project marked a turning point for the Gran Vía district.
The dome displays a Victory statue, while four statues at the main columns represent Mining, Agriculture, Industry, and Commerce. These figures reflect the economic values that shaped the city in the early 1900s.
The building is easiest to reach via Banco de España or Sevilla metro stations on Line 2. It sits at one of Madrid's busiest intersections where two major streets meet, making it easy to explore the surrounding neighborhoods from here.
The dome is illuminated at night by approximately 205 spotlights, creating a glowing appearance visible from a distance. This lighting makes it one of the brighter landmarks in the city center.
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