Madrid

Spain is famous for its friendly inhabitants, relaxed lifestyle, its cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and world-famous folklore and festivities, and its history as the core of the vast Spanish Empire. The most popular beaches are the ones along the Mediterranean coast and on the Canary Islands. Meanwhile, for hiking, the mountains of Sierra Nevada in the south, the Central Cordillera and the northern Pyrenees are the best places. Historically, Spain has been an important crossroads: between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, between North Africa and Europe, and as Europe began colonizing the New World, between Europe and the Americas. As such, the country is blessed with a fantastic collection of historical landmarks. The Spanish are very passionate about their cuisine, based on great food and wine. Spanish food can be described as quite light with a lot of vegetables and a huge variety of meat and fish.

Spain

The rich collections of its museums, the Prado and the Queen Sofía, in themselves make the city worth a visit. In the immediate vicinity of the city, in its close suburbs, you can experience the tranquillity of small historic towns like the medieval Chinchon. As one of the economic drivers of the country, certainly in the service industry and the administrative sector, the zone fully assumes its status of capital region.

Community of Madrid

Well, there’s no other city than Madrid, that a Greek person (yeah that’s me) would easily call home after a short short time. 

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After living for the last few months in the city, I would definitely recommend it and characterize it as the city of the “thousand tastes and cultures”! What made me love the city? Madrid is one of the most open cities on earth and it doesn’t matter where you’re from for the oft-heard phrase to ring true: ‘If you’re in Madrid, you’re from Madrid’. Madrid nights are the stuff of legend, and the perfect complement to the more sedate charms of fine arts and fine dining. Any trip to Madrid would not be complete without enjoying a caña (a small beer) and some tapas on one of the many terrace bars at the end of a long day sightseeing. However, if you are visiting Madrid for the second time or if you just fancy an alternative look at the city, then you may want to consider adding some of the following sites and activities to your next visit to Madrid. Madrid offers a variety of cultural centers that you can actually join and take a glimpse of the local’s lives and the city’s artsy perspective! 

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Positioned in the heart of Madrid, a 1900 building that once housed the Mahou beer brewery now accommodates this innovative cultural space. The building is the work of José López Salaberry, and the first thing that will grab your attention is its façade. A large glass and metal beam enclosing the café has been added to the original brickwork front.
Inside, its more than 3500 square metres are distributed over six levels consisting of two exhibition rooms – one of which is a spectacular double height space located beneath the pedestrian square, multifunction rooms, a publication storeroom, a restoration laboratory, warehouses, café and offices.
The exhibition rooms were launched with the “Iceberg Effect” show, a retrospective of the ABC Collection that was conceived in 1891 and continued to grow thereafter. In addition to the conservation, study and public display of the ABC Collection, the new museum is a living space and a home for such disciplines as comics and animation, welcoming both specialists and the general public alike.

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Visit the ABC Museum of Drawing and Illustration

The cultural space of Conde Duque offers more than 58.777 square meters of infrastructures dedicated to culture. In addition to several exhibition halls, it has an auditorium and a theatre where various performing arts performances are regularly held. It is also home to the ARchivo de la Villa, the Historical Library, the Municipal Library and the Biblioteca Digital Memoria of Madrid.
With a stunning pink facade, the building that houses the cultural centre was once an important barracks created at the end of 1717 at the request of Felipe V, first King of the House of Bourbon. Completed in 1730, the then Royal Corps guards barracks can be considered the last great example of Madrid architecture prior to the introduction of the dominant Italian style from the construction of the Royal Palace.
Known as 'the Conde Duque barracks', it is named after the Earl of Lemos and Duke of Berwick and Liria (1718-1785), descendant of the Kings of England and married to a daughter of the Duke of Alba, whose family retained ownership of the lands until 1943. A devastating fire destroyed it partially in 1869 and it was not until 1969, the year in which the city of Madrid, acquired it that it began its rehabilitation.

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Conde Duque exhibition halls

For 5 euros, Madrid Street Art Project conducts tours called Safaris Urbanos that focus on street art in one specific area of town.

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Safaris Urbanos - Do a street-art tour

The Caixa Forum is one of Madrid’s newer museum additions, sponsored by La Caixa bank. The space has an interesting background and plenty of cool exhibits, and its prime location on one of Madrid’s most famous streets, the Paseo de Prado, puts it in close proximity to the Museo del Prado, the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Parque Retiro.

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The Caixa Forum

### Discover the Avant-Garde at La Neomudéjar: Madrid's Contemporary Arts Center

Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and thriving arts scene. Nestled behind the bustling Atocha train station, you'll find La Neomudéjar, a hidden gem that showcases the avant-garde side of contemporary art. Let's dive into this captivating arts center and explore what makes it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts.

### A Historical Transformation

La Neomudéjar is housed in a historic 19th-century railway warehouse, once the offices of the Spanish railway company Adif. This massive building has undergone a remarkable transformation, breathing new life into its industrial bones. The juxtaposition of the old and the new creates a unique atmosphere that sets the stage for the innovative artworks within.

### A Haven for Contemporary Art

Step inside La Neomudéjar, and you'll be immersed in a world of cutting-edge artistic expression. The center is dedicated to showcasing the works of both national and international artists, spanning a wide range of mediums. From urban art and video installations to performance art and soundscapes, there's something to captivate every visitor.

### Fun Facts and Unique Experiences

One of the standout features of La Neomudéjar is its Transfeminism and queer archive, which highlights the contributions of these communities to contemporary art. This collection serves as a testament to the center's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

For those seeking a truly immersive experience, don't miss the Kárstica Space for Creators. Located in the rural village of Cañada del Hoyo, this artist-in-residence space offers a tranquil retreat for artists to explore their creativity. It's a two and a half hour drive from Madrid, making it an ideal day trip for those looking to escape the city's hustle and bustle.

### Architectural Marvels

As you explore La Neomudéjar, take a moment to appreciate the architectural features that make this arts center truly unique. Mirrors adorn the walls, creating a sense of intrigue and reflection. In one of the experimentation rooms, visitors are unknowingly recorded by hidden cameras, generating a complex visual system that challenges our perception of self and technology.

### When to Visit

La Neomudéjar is open year-round, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in contemporary art at any time. However, if you're looking to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience, consider visiting during weekdays or in the morning hours.

### Nearby Attractions

After exploring the captivating world of La Neomudéjar, take some time to discover the surrounding area. Just a short walk away, you'll find the iconic Atocha train station, known for its stunning tropical garden and impressive architecture. The nearby Reina Sofia Museum, home to Picasso's famous painting "Guernica," is also worth a visit for art enthusiasts.

### Conclusion

La Neomudéjar is a hidden gem in Madrid's art scene, offering a unique and immersive experience for contemporary art lovers. With its historical significance, architectural marvels, and dedication to showcasing innovative artworks, this arts center is a must-visit destination. So, the next time you find yourself in Madrid, make sure to add La Neomudéjar to your itinerary and prepare to be captivated by the avant-garde.

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La Neomudéjar, a contemporary arts center

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Madrid, a guide to the city’s alternative cultural centers

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As most of us here, I am also passionate with traveling! Nature lover, winter sports addict and Erasmus obsessed, I definitely love working on mobility projects that promote traveling and living abroad as a local! As a result, I do travel a lot and yes, I do have to move every time. Adapting myself into different environments has undoubtedly helped me grow to the multicultural soul I am today. As Parov Stellar says, “I am a traveller momma, I am gonna follow the sun.” Being a native Greek living in Spain, “following the sun” is definitely something I pursue. With a strong background in Communication, Media, and English studies, I am now officially one of itinari’s editors in chief, advising, supervising and editing articles daily before having them published in our platform.

Madrid, a guide to the city’s alternative cultural centers

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