What is it?
The Frotón Beti-Jai is well hidden, with nothing to suggest that the stately, classical-style building on Calle Marqués de Riscal conceals a century-old venue that, starting back in 1894, hosted Basque pelota competitions.
The beauty of the Frotón Beti-Jai is not immediately obvious, but it does shine through, so long as you’re paying attention. Notice the mix of architectural styles, how the delicate iron columns contrast with the brutalist concrete, and how the red and white tones dominate almost everything, and you’ll start to see its charms.
The popularity of this sport at the end of the nineteenth century led to the proliferation of frontons in Madrid. This one, in particular, was the work of architect Joaquín de Rucoba y Octavio de Toledo. It had a capacity for 4,000 people and, before being used for other purposes, hosted sporting competitions and various shows.
The decline in interest in Basque pelota meant that, from 1919 onwards, the Beti-Jai Fronton was used for different purposes, from a car workshop to a police station, and even as a prison and workshop for objects made of plaster.
It wasn’t until 1991 that it was declared a national monument; then, in 2011 it gained the status of a Site of Cultural Interest. Restoration work on the space began in 2015, when the City Council acquired the premises, and lasted until 2019.
When can I visit?
The Frontón Beti-Jai is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 27 July to 13 October, from 10am-2pm. There are family-friendly workshops and interactive itineraries that offer unique ways of getting to know the space. To take part, you need to book in advance.
How can I get there?
Located at 7 Calle Marqués de Riscal number, in the Chamberí district, the Beti-Jai Frontón can be reached by metro, using lines 4, 5, and 10 to the Alonso Martínez stop or line 5 to the Rubén Darío stop. You can also take the bus (lines 5, 7, 14, 27, 45, and 150).
What does Beti Jai mean?
In Basque, beti jai means 'always party'.
Translate by Olivia Simpson