The headquarters of the Círculo de Bellas Artes, designed by architect Antonio Palacios and completed in 1926, celebrates its centenary as one of the most recognizable icons of Madrid's Gran Vía and its cultural life. To mark this anniversary, an exhibition is presented to commemorate the history of this architectural masterpiece, in an initiative that counts with the collaboration of Acción Cultural Española (AC/E).

A Century of Architecture and Culture

Inaugurated in 1926, the Círculo building has been a direct witness and protagonist of the urban, social, and artistic transformation of Madrid. The exhibition proposes a detailed journey through its origin, design, and construction, analyzing how Palacios managed to combine classical monumentality with the most innovative metropolitan architectural trends of the early 20th century.

Archive Treasures

The show brings together an exceptional selection of historical documents and materials, many of which are unpublished or little known to the public:

Original plans and preparatory drawings from the competition launched in 1919.

Period photographs documenting the execution process and the technical complexity of the project.

Original pieces that reconstruct the aesthetic aspirations of a young institution that sought to become the great benchmark for fine arts in Spain.

A Living Space

Beyond its value as architectural heritage, the exhibition claims the building as a "living space." Over the past hundred years, its studios, workshops, and meeting halls have hosted generations of artists, writers, filmmakers, and thinkers, making its walls a symbol of modernity and a privileged venue for cultural experience in the heart of the capital.

Practical Information:

Dates: From February 12 to May 10, 2026.
Location: Círculo de Bellas Artes de Madrid (Sala Goya).
Organized by: Círculo de Bellas Artes.
Collaborates: Acción Cultural Española (AC/E).