The Círculo de Bellas Artes (CBA) 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 inside 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 idea of the Círculo de Bellas Artes was born in 1880, but its definitive headquarters (and the building with which we identify it today) was not inaugurated until 1926. Founded by a group of intellectuals such as the painter Casto Plasencia or the writer Carlos Fernández Shaw, the Círculo was conceived with the aim of promoting arts and culture in Madrid.
They operated in different rented locations in the capital, until 1921, when the construction of their definitive headquarters began under the designs of the architect Antonio Palacios. Thus, five years later, the cultural and disseminating soul with which the soul of this institution was woven found its architectural counterpart at number 42 Alcalá Street.
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 immersing yourself in 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, the Círculo de Bellas Artes is also one of the venues selected in the capital to host the famous Candlelight concerts. Evenings in which their locations are covered with the light of thousands of candles that illuminate the live music of tributes to artists and genres of all kinds.
Facts, curiosities and interesting things about the Círculo de Bellas Artes
1. Its panoramic terrace enjoys one of the best views of Madrid.
At 46 meters high from Alcalá street we find “La Azotea del Círculo”, the spectacular terrace with panoramic views from which we can admire unique places such as Gran Vía or Cibeles square. A fascinating attraction that also hosts cultural events, exhibitions and artistic activities, creating an unforgettable experience for all visitors.
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 nothing more and nothing less than a swimming pool was once located. It is also known that it had a hairdressing salon, a fencing room and an infirmary that was accessed through an exclusive entrance for this purpose.
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 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. Without cranes that could raise it, a platform was built parallel to the building at a cost of one million pesetas or, in other words, ten times more than what it had cost to build it.
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 areas of the capital, very close to Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía. A privileged and central location that we recommend you to reach by public transport, either using the nearest bus lines (001, 1, 3, 9, 20 and E1) or the subway lines 1, 2 or 5.
Its terrace is located on the rooftop terrace on the top floor, which can be accessed by elevator from the lobby, after purchasing a ticket at the ticket 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 (Monday to Sunday) and to the exhibition halls (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 terrace of the Círculo de Bellas Artes?
The ticket to access the roof of the Círculo de Bellas Artes 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 exclusively at the ticket offices of the Círculo de Bellas Artes.
The Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid is an enclave of culture and art located in the central street of Alcalá 42, which can be easily reached by public transport: by bus (001, 1, 1, 3, 9, 20 and E1) or metro (L1, L2 or L5). Whether to host art exhibitions or be enlightened by Candlelight concerts, Madrid has a wide variety of locations where you can enjoy both the culture they offer and the art of its buildings. And the Círculo de Bellas Artes is a clear example of this.