The Círculo de Bellas Artes of Madrid is a very prestigious cultural center, founded in 1880 and has become a reference for lovers of the arts in Madrid. Its impressive architecture awaits a wide variety of activities in the form of exhibitions and workshops, as well as wonderful Candlelight concerts by candlelight.
The Círculo de Bellas Artes and its history.
The Círculo de Bellas Artes was founded in 1880 by a group of artists and intellectuals determined to create a cultural meeting place in the capital. After passing through several provisional headquarters, in 1921 the construction of its current building began, designed by the architect Antonio Palacios and inaugurated in 1926. Since then, this eclectic style building has become a historical and architectural landmark in Madrid, a symbol of the artistic and cultural life of the city for more than a century.
What you can do at the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid
The truth is that the name of the building is very illustrative, because the options of everything you can do include arts of all kinds: from delving into the cultural history of Madrid through exhibitions and art galleries to enjoy a gastronomic break in La Pecera, to attend lectures or film screenings.
In addition, it is also one of the venues selected to host the famous Candlelight concerts in Madrid. Evenings in which the most iconic (and unique) locations of the capital are covered with thousands of candles to pay tribute to artists and genres of all kinds.
Curiosities about the Círculo de Bellas Artes
1. Its panoramic terrace enjoys one of the best views of Madrid.
At 46 meters high we find “La Azotea del Círculo”, the spectacular panoramic terrace of the Círculo de Bellas Artes that also hosts cultural events, exhibitions and artistic activities.
2. Where there is now a theater there used to be a swimming pool
You’re reading that right. We are referring specifically to the Teatro de Bellas Artes, located in the basement and in a space where once stood nothing more and nothing less than a swimming pool. It is also known that it had a hairdressing salon, a fencing room and an infirmary that was accessed through an exclusive entrance.
3. The ascent of the statue of Minerva to the roof cost 10 times more than its own creation.
The Roman goddess of wisdom, Minerva, reigns over and represents this institution. To pay tribute to her, Juan Luis Vassallo was commissioned to build a statue, which ended up being six and a half meters high – eight meters with spear – and weighing 3,000 kilos. With no cranes to lift it, a platform was built parallel to the building at a cost of one million pesetas.
Where it is and how to get to the Círculo de Bellas Artes
The headquarters of the Círculo de Bellas Artes is located at Calle de Alcalá 42, in one of the most famous and busiest areas of the capital. A privileged and central location that we recommend you to reach by public transport, either using buses 001, 1, 3, 9, 20 and E1, or subway lines 1, 2 or 5.
Its terrace is located on the top floor, which can be accessed by elevator from the lobby, after purchasing the ticket at the box office or online.
How much does admission to the Círculo de Bellas Artes cost?
There are three rates: 5,50€ (general admission), 4€ (reduced admission) and free for children between 0 and 6 years old, people with a disability equal to or greater than 33%, and members and Friends of the Círculo. Whatever the rate you belong to, the ticket includes both access to the roof (from Monday to Sunday) and to the exhibition halls (from Tuesday to Sunday). However, please note that there are specific exhibitions that have their own prices.
How much does it cost to go up to the roof of the Círculo de Bellas Artes?
The entrance ticket can be purchased for 5,50€, 4€ or for free, depending on the specificities of each person. For the last two cases, it will be necessary to show the relevant accreditation before entering. With this ticket you will have access to both the terrace and the exhibition halls.
Tickets can be purchased online, but due to capacity management, ticket sales from 14:00h to 16:00h and from 21:00h are made exclusively at the ticket offices.
Nearby places of interest
A few steps from the Círculo de Bellas Artes are other emblematic places such as the Plaza de Cibeles, the Metrópolis Building or the Gran Vía. Also nearby, the Four Seasons Hotel has become another Candlelight location, where you can experience live music in Madrid in an unforgettable way.