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Madrid · Contemporary Art & Culture

CaixaForum Madrid: Art, Culture & Exhibitions in Madrid

Madrid's dynamic cultural center, known for art exhibitions and its iconic vertical garden.

ArtArchitectureHistory

Discover a dynamic cultural center housed in a transformed early 20th-century power station. CaixaForum Madrid features diverse exhibitions, an auditorium, and a striking architectural design, including a vertical garden and a "floating" upper structure. It offers a unique meeting point for art, knowledge, and community.

CaixaForum Madrid is a cultural center in a repurposed industrial building, known for its unique architecture by Herzog & de Meuron and diverse cultural program.

CaixaForum Madrid
CaixaForum Madrid: Cultural Center and Architectural Heritage

CaixaForum Madrid, a leading cultural center by Fundación "la Caixa," is uniquely situated on Madrid's Paseo del Prado. It occupies the transformed Central Eléctrica del Mediodía, an early 20th-century industrial power station, now a remarkable example of architectural transformation. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the building retains its original brick facades while featuring a distinctive Corten steel module, creating a visually striking "floating" effect. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a dynamic space for art and culture, acting as a vibrant meeting point for knowledge and community.

A large vertical garden covers the facade of a building under a blue sky, with people walking in front.
CaixaForum Madrid opening hours in Madrid

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for CaixaForum Madrid. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Madrid.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
10:00-20:00
10:00-20:00
10:00-20:00
10:00-20:00
10:00-20:00
10:00-20:00
10:00-20:00
CaixaForum Madrid Admission and Tickets

CaixaForum Madrid provides a varied admission structure for its visitors. While general adult entry has a fee, the cultural center offers free admission for children up to 15 years old, as well as for youth and other specific visitor categories, typically requiring valid identification. Group tickets are also available for parties with a minimum of ten people. It is important to note that dedicated student or senior ticket types are not offered at this location.

General Admission
€6.00

Provides access to all temporary and permanent exhibitions.

Children (under 16)
Free

For visitors under 16 years of age. Must be accompanied by an adult.

CaixaBank Customers
Free

For clients of CaixaBank.

Visitor amenities and accessibility at CaixaForum Madrid

CaixaForum Madrid provides a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable and inclusive visit, including comprehensive accessibility features such as step-free access, elevators, and assistive listening technology. Families are well-supported with stroller access, nursing facilities, and dedicated activities, while visitors can also take advantage of on-site dining, a gift shop, and digital resources to help plan their time. Practical amenities like lockers, climate-controlled galleries, and free wifi are available to enhance the overall experience throughout the venue.

Accessible toilets

Available

Induction loop

Available

Braille in elevators

Available

Elevator with braille

Available
Family visits at CaixaForum Madrid

CaixaForum Madrid provides a welcoming environment for families, featuring a revolving calendar of creative educational workshops and programs. The venue supports a comfortable visitor experience with stroller-friendly access to all galleries and dedicated nursing room facilities on-site to assist guests with young children.

CaixaForum Madrid provides a welcoming environment for families, offering a range of ongoing activities and educational programming.

Why families will enjoy it

  • Stroller-friendly access to all exhibition spaces.
  • Dedicated nursing room facilities for families with infants.
  • Free admission for children under 16 years of age.
  • Regularly updated schedule of family-oriented activities and workshops.

Activities and resources for children

Family program

Family Activities and Workshops

A revolving calendar of creative and educational activities tailored for families.

CaixaForum Madrid Location

CaixaForum Madrid is situated at Paseo del Prado, 36 in Madrid, placing it within the city's prominent 'Landscape of Light' cultural axis. This unique cultural center, housed in a repurposed industrial building, serves as a distinctive landmark for visitors exploring the historic area.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Paseo del Prado 36

28014 Madrid

Madrid, ES

Planning Your Visit to CaixaForum Madrid

General admission tickets for CaixaForum Madrid in Madrid can be purchased at the box office up to 30 minutes before closing. Visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and groups of ten or more should reserve their visit in advance. Please note that scooters and bicycles are not permitted inside, while strollers are allowed in exhibition halls. Wheelchairs are available for loan from the information point, subject to availability.

Planning Your Visit to CaixaForum Madrid

CaixaForum Madrid: Transformed Power Station and Cultural Center

CaixaForum Madrid, located in Madrid's Paseo del Prado, offers a distinctive cultural experience within a transformed early 20th-century industrial power station. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the architectural transformation skillfully preserved original brick facades while integrating a modern Corten steel module and subterranean spaces, creating the notable effect of a "floating" building. Visitors can explore a vibrant program of rotating art exhibitions and multimedia installations, appreciating the unique blend of industrial heritage and contemporary design. The center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides a dynamic meeting point for art, knowledge, and community, further enhanced by features like its vertical garden and diverse exhibition spaces. This hub allows guests to encounter how a historic structure has been ingeniously reimagined into a modern cultural destination.

Large white gallery room with a wall of framed artworks, people walking and observing, and a tall decorative window on the right.

Historical Context of CaixaForum Madrid

CaixaForum Madrid, a prominent cultural center managed by Fundación "la Caixa", officially opened in 2008 in the heart of Madrid. It is housed within the transformed Central Del Mediodía, an early 20th-century industrial power station whose original brick facades were preserved. The significant *architectural transformation* of the building, designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, took place between 2001 and 2007, resulting in its distinctive appearance. This includes a unique Corten steel module and Patrick Blanc's celebrated Vertical Garden, making the center a notable landmark on the Paseo del Prado.

  • CaixaForum Madrid established in 2008

    2008Founding

    CaixaForum Madrid, a cultural center in Spain owned by the not-for-profit banking foundation "la Caixa", officially opened its doors in 2008. It is located in a former power station on Paseo del Prado and hosts temporary art exhibitions and cultural events.

  • Designed by Herzog & de Meuron

    Architecture

    The cultural center was designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron. The building is a former power station called Central Del Mediodía, dating back to the 1900s.

  • Construction completed in 2007

    2001-2007Construction

    The construction of CaixaForum Madrid was carried out by Ferrovial. The building, a renovation of the former Central Del Mediodía power station, was built between 2001 and 2007.

  • Features the Vertical Garden by Patrick Blanc

    Architecture

    A notable architectural feature at CaixaForum Madrid is the "Vertical Garden" located in the square, created by Patrick Blanc. This living wall is a well-known element of the cultural center's surroundings.

CaixaForum Madrid: Your Curiosities Answered

Ever wondered if CaixaForum Madrid hosts secret late-night viewings, or if there's a special parking spot reserved just for you? While the answers might be simpler than you imagine, our comprehensive FAQ section helps you plan your visit with ease, covering everything from standard opening times to contact details for group visits.

Does CaixaForum Madrid offer free entry for children?

Yes, children under 16 years old receive free entry. Minors must be accompanied by an adult, and proof of age may be required.

Who is eligible for free admission at CaixaForum Madrid?

Free admission is available for children under 16, CaixaBank customers with valid proof, and European Youth Card (Carnet Joven Europeo) holders. Additionally, free entry is offered to all visitors on specific dates: May 15, May 17 (from 19:00 to midnight), May 18, and November 9.

How much are group tickets for CaixaForum Madrid?

Pricing is not specified for groups, but group ticket arrangements are required for parties of 10 or more people. You must contact the center directly to inquire about pricing and to make a booking.

What are the ticket prices for CaixaForum Madrid?

General admission for adults is €6. This ticket grants access to all temporary and permanent exhibitions at the venue.

Practical Tips for Visiting CaixaForum Madrid

To help plan your visit to CaixaForum Madrid in Madrid, visitors can utilize several amenities. Lockers are available for storing personal belongings, and free Wi-Fi is provided. The cultural center features a café and restaurant, along with accessible toilets, a nursing room, and is stroller-friendly. You can also make use of maps, audio guides, and self-guided tours. The venue is wheelchair accessible, offering elevators, a step-free entrance, and both air conditioning and heating for comfort. Please note that food and drinks are not permitted inside the exhibition areas.

Who is CaixaForum Madrid Suited For?

CaixaForum Madrid in Madrid offers a diverse cultural experience that is welcoming for a wide range of visitors, including families, solo travelers, and groups. With a focus on art, architecture, and history, the center features child-friendly exhibits and facilities like a nursing room and is stroller-friendly. Additionally, the venue provides comprehensive accessibility features such as wheelchair access, elevators, braille information, assistive listening devices, and accommodates service animals, ensuring a comfortable visit for guests with varying needs. Visitors can explore its unique architectural space and diverse program, enhanced by amenities like a café, restaurant, and gift shop.

CaixaForum Madrid Photo Gallery

Explore the distinctive architecture of CaixaForum Madrid, a cultural center in Madrid, through this visual gallery. Images showcase its prominent vertical garden, contrasting rust-colored metal facade, and preserved brickwork, blending industrial heritage with modern design. Inside, discover bright gallery spaces featuring diverse artworks and unique elements like its elegant spiral staircase.

A spiral staircase with white curved steps and a wooden door at the bottom
The CaixaForum Madrid building with a vertical garden on the right and a rust-colored metal facade, under a blue sky.
Large white gallery room with a wall of framed artworks, people walking and observing, and a tall decorative window on the right.
Interior of CaixaForum Madrid with wooden staircase and exposed brick walls
Exterior of CaixaForum Madrid, a building with a brick facade and a large rust-colored metal structure featuring a vertical garden, with people walking in front.
A large vertical garden covers the facade of a building under a blue sky, with people walking in front.
A tall building covered in a dense green vertical garden with a white sheep sculpture in front and people walking on the pavement
The CaixaForum Madrid building with a vertical garden and a large bronze horse sculpture in front
A modern white spiral staircase with geometric railings viewed from above
Bronze sculpture of a seated man resting his chin on his hand, set against a brick wall with arched windows
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