Matadero Madrid

The old Madrid slaughterhouse, now repurposed as a cultural and artistic hub, sits on the edge of the Rio Manzanares. Once a center of industry, it has been transformed into a sprawling complex that attracts visitors from all walks of life. The area is now a vibrant space, with galleries, performance venues, and creative workshops filling the former industrial buildings. The atmosphere is a mix of history and modernity, offering a unique glimpse into Madrid’s past while embracing its cultural evolution. The nearby "Madrid Rio" Park has played a significant role in the revitalization of the neighborhood. Once an industrial wasteland, it now provides a lush green space for locals and tourists alike. The park stretches along the river, offering walking paths, playgrounds, and areas for recreation. It has brought new life to the area, making it a popular spot for both relaxation and outdoor activities. This transformation has had a positive impact on the entire neighborhood, changing its character and making it an attractive destination. The old slaughterhouse and the surrounding area are now a testament to how Madrid has embraced its past while looking forward to the future. Visiting this cultural hub is worth the time, not just once but multiple times. Whether you’re exploring the galleries, walking through the park, or simply taking in the views of the river, there’s always something new to discover.

Great place to combine the art lunch (nice exhibitions) with siesta outside. (Have a picnic in Madrid Rio). Muy muy recomendable.

Not a very interesting destination unless there is an event going on. We went when nothing was going on and everything was closed except for the main reception area.

There were no exhibitions when I visited, but it's a good spot to spend time with friends on weekends

really beautiful place, An excellent example of industrial recovery. Lots of well-managed spaces that can be used for a variety of purposes. Easily accessible

Amazing festive place they have huge skating rink and all cute Christmas markets with huge stage they even made a snow party

Great place to spend the day! They have temporary exposition, coffee shop, and an open space.

This is a cool place with an adjacent park, perfect for a relaxing day while experiencing Spanish life and contemporary culture. Also got to see Mafalda!

Matadero is a very nice public space. It has many attractions within its place, some are paid and some are free. They have a little bar/restaurant a theater and movies inside. Somehow though, I always feel like I need something more. The art exhibit sometimes aren't on and the time they are open isn't quite clear. If you're in the west side/ south west of the city, you must walk along Madrid rio and then go into the Matadero. You might want to go into a movie, have a bite to eat around, visit the free exhibit or if it's winter maybe even ice skate. Like I said, Matadero is really a nice place for the family and to spend some time walking around, but it always leaves me with a feeling that I want more from it, as if there is too much space and it's not being quite utilize or something of the sort. I do suggest you try it and enjoy it because it has many things to do and perhaps it's more enjoyable for a whole family than for a couple.

Definitely worth the trek -- great art in an incredible setting with no crowds!! I had a blissful morning here taking in the "Amazonias" exhibit and just wandering the many buildings here. The free greenhouse next door is also worth a look and very quiet and peaceful. The park nearby is a great way to escape the hordes of tourists in the downtown core. You can spend a good half day in the neighbourhood and get to see a different side of Madrid. Check online to see what is on. They host film screening, talks, markets/festivals and much more.

The riverside of the Manzanares River has become a very important area leisure and recreational for the inhabitants of Madrid. While in a disused and depressed industrial area in Legazpi, some old buildings were rehabilitated corresponding to the old municipal slaughterhouse. Like in New York the "Meat Market" area. These warehouses, converted into a cultural complex, turned this area into an important point of the cultural offer of Madrid. Exhibitions, documentary films,stage performances at "Naves del Español", street markets of food or art, musical events and concerts in summer, street performances for adults and young people. If you want to keep abreast of what the city culturally is brewing, do not hesitate to take a walk through this area, where you can also rent a bicycle or to eat something.

When people write about Madrid, this is not high on their list. Coming from me, though this is the best thing Madrid has to offer. A slaughter house conversion, this art and performance center offers free exhibits, and lectures, libraries and bar and restaurant. The open floor plan is mesmerizing, and you have the opportunity to wander about on your own to see what a slaughter house used to look like. The most attractive part to me was actually the bathroom, which used to be a wash station for the slaughtering house. An eerie lit hall shows what the before picture which seems more like a maze, fun and Halloween ready. I saw the Carmen exhibit, and also the Syrian refugees exhibit, both were thought provoking. My heart was heavy after the refugees exhibit. I think a successful art space should invoke our thinking and make us want to be more compassionate about other fellow human beings and be passionate about social justice. This places made me think about these things. As a proud American, I feel we should do more good in this world. And I think the space gave me the opportunity to see the world from a different angle, less sheltered perhaps, and more raw. That's what a good art space should provide. Therefore, I believe Matadero should be your top destination when you are in Madrid.

I went there last weekend to attend a Skype conference with animator Hirano Ryo, who was one of the artists participating in the exhibition UN PLANETA ENLOQUECIDO: FANTASMAS, MONSTRUOS, Y ALIENÍGENAS EN EL MANGA. The exhibition was small but neat, and I loved to be able to get to talk with a cool animator. (totally friki of me, I know) It was my first time visiting Matadero and I thought the concept was nice. As the name suggests the buildings used to be slaughterhouse now remodeled as an art space. Very importantly the exhibition was free, and in the patio there were many families just hanging around. There was even a workshop for people to learn how to ride bicycle I think it was either for free or for a very low fee. I liked that it was very welcoming and not exclusive. I will try to regularly check their website for more exhibitions.

If you're not a fan of conventional museums, Matadero is the place to visit for a fix of culture. Try watching a film at the Cineteca and get something to drink/bite at the Cantina, for a full experience.

very well designed old slaughterhouse turned into museum, theatre and social space. definitely worth a visit esp in combination with a walk along the new riverside park.