Located a stone’s throw from Atocha and within Madrid's Art Triangle formed by Thyssen, Prado, and Reina Sofía museums, the quarter known as Barrio de las Letras is an ideal choice to explore art beyond the basics. From its streets, adorned with verses and paragraphs from writers who once roamed here, to its shops blending tradition with avant-garde in a unique atmosphere, this area is imbued with an artistic aura that reaches its zenith with the initiatives spread across a nearby zone.
If you're spending a few days in the capital, Radisson RED Madrid serves as the perfect gateway to this dreamy neighborhood. Situated on Atocha Street, 123, outlining this quarter, it boasts an artistic vibe you'll adore if you revel in observing, discovering, and experiencing art in all its forms. And if you’re eager to delve deeper into the galleries featured at ARCO, the city's most significant contemporary art fair, you’ll be thrilled to find that this area hosts a handful of must-see spots for your next visit. Make a note of them all; they’re well worth it!
Just steps away from the Paseo del Prado, also known as the Art Walk in Madrid, you can discover this gallery (C. de Zorrilla, 21) focused on bringing back the legacy of Spanish artists from the 50s to 70s, especially those engaged in geometric abstraction as both an art form and political statement. Open to the public since 2005, it's perfect for those looking to explore this specific segment of revolutionaries who redefined the history of Art in Spain.
The story of sisters Pilar and Mayte Castellano is a testament to pure love for art. Founders of Formato Cómodo, which opened its doors at Lope de Vega Street, 5 in 2007, they entered the art world self-taught. Perhaps it's this that has given them a clear and unbiased vision of artists, favoring support for young and intergenerational, national and international creators over commercialization. Their discoveries and bets are always worth your while.
One cannot discuss the big names of Spanish art like Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Antonio López, or Luis Marsans without mentioning this gallery, responsible for showcasing some of their works (and those of many other renowned artists) since 1978. Now, at its second location opened in 1983 (C. Amor de Dios, 1), it's Íñigo Navarro, Leandro's son, who continues his father's legacy by giving space to historical avant-gardes from various regions, in collaboration with diverse institutions that lead to five spectacular exhibitions a year.
When reviewing the area’s essential artistic institutions, Ponce + Robles is a must-mention. Founded in 2014 through the union of two prestigious gallery owners, Raquel Ponce and José Robles, who had previously managed their own recognized galleries in Madrid. Together, they created a joint project in her space (C. De la Alameda, 5) with a shared conviction: to focus on mediums like photography, installation, or sculpture and, above all, to promote new Spanish artists to elevate their careers in international circuits and fairs.
After exploring these galleries, all featured in ARCO and capable of endowing the Barrio de las Letras with that characteristic and lively artistic atmosphere, it's time for a break. If it’s mealtime (or dinner time), there’s nothing better than savoring the menu at Eneko Basque, the concept designed by Michelin chef Eneko Atxa for Radisson RED Madrid.
Its culinary aspect is pure art, but not the only creative point you’ll find at this hotel. If you stop by before March 31st, you can enjoy two temporary exhibitions by Diana Larrea and Daniel Canogar, accessible for free in the hotel lobby and at Oso Rojo, a space perfect for a breather with a coffee or cocktail in hand.
If you’re planning a visit after that date, don’t worry, because the art doesn’t end there: this hotel features various artistic elements that nod to the city, a common thread in all Radisson RED hotels worldwide. In Madrid, you can discover a colorful, modern reinterpretation of the Oso y el Madroño sculpture, as well as paintings that evoke (and renew) Spanish Baroque. All, of course, marked by comfort and a unique atmosphere you can enjoy if you spend one or several nights in any of its rooms.
Feeling recharged after your break at Radisson RED Madrid? Perfect, because you're right in the heart of the Art Triangle, and it's time to make the most of it! While we know this might occupy a day (or two), you’re just steps away from the Thyssen, Prado, and Reina Sofía museums. Drawing an imaginary line, they form this magical art triangle in Madrid, within which grow initiatives as varied (and worth discovering) as those we've shared. It’s up to you which of the three you choose to visit to round off this route, and it's time to experience art in Madrid like never before!