Justicia and Chueca: An Art and Architecture Trail in the Heart of Madrid

Recognizable from its facade, which breaks the corners with rounded shapes, Albarrán Bourdais (Barquillo, 13) has allowed this neighborhood to boast a new gateway to art of various types since 2018. Exchange and dialogue between cultures, interventions, collaborations, and exhibitions that open doors to sector agents such as artists, the public, and various museums and institutions. Works by names like Christian Boltanski, Iván Argote, and Cristina Lucas have been showcased on its walls. A must-see.

This gallery splits its efforts between two spaces, located in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona) and within this walk through the Justicia neighborhood (Beneficencia, 18B). Established in a historic building worth visiting, this gallery is perfect for discovering emerging names from around the world. It wasn't Rebeca and Álex's first project in the capital, whose last names lend themselves to this institution: previously, their Madrid location was in Doctor Fourquet (known as Madrid DF, in the Lavapiés neighborhood). Pure conceptual and avant-garde selection.

Many palaces can be visited in central Madrid. One of the most spectacular is undoubtedly the former palace of the Marqués de Matallana (C. San Mateo, 13), erected in 1776, today hosting the Museo del Romanticismo (Museum of Romanticism): a collection of 19th-century paintings, furniture, and decorative arts recreating everyday life and customs of the upper bourgeoisie in that historical period. A gem you'll love to discover.

The current headquarters of the Spanish Society of Authors and Publishers (Sociedad General de Autores y Editores, SGAE) is, probably, Madrid's best-known modernist-style building. Wandering through Justicia, we can find the Palacio de Longoria, a unique construction located at Fernando VI Street, 4. The building, once a family home and office of the banking headquarters of Javier González Longoria, showcases on its facade artificial stone ornaments that mix vegetation, leaves, and curves, all forms inspired by French modernist architecture. Don't miss it.

Specializing in European and American art from the second half of the 20th century, this gallery - founded by Elvira González in 1994 - houses one of the most interesting collections in the capital, with works by artists like Miquel Barceló, Olafur Eliasson, Robert Irwin, or Chema Madoz. For years, its location in the heart of Chueca (C. Hermanos Álvarez Quintero, 1) makes it a perfect place to soak in art during this pleasant walk. Contemporary history in its purest form.

Just a step from the Alonso Martínez metro stop is the Palacio de Santa Bárbara, built by architect Juan de Madrazo y Knutz in 1866 following the instructions of the French architect Viollet-le-Duc. A unique example of the rationalist movement of the late 19th century in Madrid, it's also known as the Palacio del Conde de Villagonzalo, as this aristocrat inhabited it at the end of that century. A beauty amidst the city.

This isn't the name of a gallery, but a location where magic happens. Here stands a 19th-century mansion with a spectacular entrance courtyard, home to, besides The Sibarist’s greenhouse, various art galleries like Elba Benítez, one of the most multidisciplinary institutions of contemporary Madrid art; Ehrhardt Flórez, promoting the work of emerging German and Spanish artists; and La Cometa, focusing on Colombian and Latin American art. A unique space.

A morning or afternoon visit to these galleries and historic buildings can only end one way: with a grand gastronomic experience. Here's a recommendation: take a pleasant 15-minute walk to Radisson RED Madrid, where you can find Eneko Basque, a project by the five Michelin Star chef Eneko Atxa. If you’re in the mood for a drink, you can always enjoy it at Oso Rojo, the hotel's cocktail bar.

The entire space shares a common perspective: to promote the artistic style that permeates Madrid. If you're an art lover, you'll be thrilled to discover its reinterpretations of key works in the city, like a colorful version of the Oso y el Madroño sculpture or paintings that adorn its walls and reinterpret Spanish Baroque. Plus, until March 31st, its lobby hosts two temporary exhibitions by Diana Larrea and Daniel Canogar, continuing to promote the perspective present in the Radisson RED brand: to be, in addition to a great hotel option, an artistic agent in the cities.