Matadero Madrid: guide to the cultural center next to Madrid Río

A walk from Usera, in the heart of Madrid Río, stands one of the best cultural centers in Madrid: Matadero Madrid, the old municipal slaughterhouse converted into a cultural city. And the best: a good part of its programming is free.

##What’s inside

• Exhibitions: Nave 16 and other naves host temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, photography and design, almost always with free access.
• Cineteca: the movie theater of the Madrid audiovisual archive. Series of auteur, classic and documentary films at a symbolic price.
• Theater and dance: the Naves del Español programs theater, dance and performance throughout the year.
• Casa del Lector: library, workshops and family activities on weekends.
• Markets and festivals: from design markets to food festivals; Almost every weekend there is something in the square.

How to organize the visit

• Check the schedule before you go: the Matadero website publishes a weekly agenda; Admission to exhibitions is usually free, but cinema and theater require a ticket.
• The perfect plan: exhibition + walk through Madrid Río + vermouth on one of the venue’s terraces. In summer, add the water jets and urban beach if you go with children.
• Duration: estimate 2–3 hours if you combine nave, plaza and terrace.

Why is it special

Because it is not a typical museum: it is an industrial site from the early 20th century—brick pavilions and metal structures—inhabited by current culture. Architecture, cinema, theater and neighborhood life in the same courtyard.

From our accommodations in Usera the Matadero is a short walk away, and it is the first recommendation we give to those who ask us what to do near home. For more ideas, here is our complete guide to Madrid Río.

Cover photo: Malopez 21, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.