Matadero Madrid
Matadero Madrid is a cultural center housed in a former early 20th century slaughterhouse with distinctive neo-Mudejar architecture. The site contains specialized areas including Naves del Español for theater, Design Central for design work, Cineteca for independent cinema, and Casa del Lector for literature, along with Nave 16 as a large exhibition space and outdoor areas for events.
The site was built between 1908 and 1928 as a slaughterhouse and livestock market designed by Luis Bellido. After decades of industrial use, the complex was transformed in 2006 into the Centre for Contemporary Creation, preserving the historic structures while establishing new cultural programs within them.
The name Matadero refers to its past as a slaughterhouse and livestock market, a history still visible in its architecture and spatial layout. Today, the complex serves as a meeting place for artistic expression and community engagement, transforming industrial heritage into a space where culture and society intersect.
The complex sits alongside the Manzanares river and is easily accessible on foot, with spacious open areas that make navigation straightforward. Visitors should allow enough time to explore the various halls and outdoor areas, as the site is expansive and may require several hours depending on your interests.
The Centro Danza Matadero, which opened in November 2024, is Spain's first public space dedicated entirely to dance. With dedicated stages and rehearsal rooms for dancers, it signals the increasing focus on this art form within the larger cultural complex.
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