Open House Festival Reveals Architectural Gems
Step into the world of architectural wonders and urban delights with the Open House Madrid Festival, an internationally acclaimed celebration that spans over two weekends in more than 40 cities worldwide.
For three consecutive years, on the final weekend of September, Madrid transforms its streets into an open-air gallery of culture, welcoming curious visitors to explore hidden territories of buildings that enchant with their style, embrace with comfort, and whisper intriguing stories to all who listen.
During the festival, private spaces, usually off-limits to the public, swing open their doors, inviting guests to marvel at the city’s rich architectural heritage. From public buildings like the stately Senate Palace, home to the Spanish Parliament’s Upper House, to workspaces, residences, studios of artists and architects, each venue offers a captivating journey through Madrid’s artistic soul.
Embark on a fascinating tour, discovering new architectural trends and secrets that even long-time residents might not know. Each year, fresh participants join the event, enriching the experience with their unique perspectives and contributions. As we delve into the most curious objects of the Open House Madrid festival, a tapestry of history, innovation, and artistic brilliance unfolds.
Next, we encounter the timeless Casa Lucio Munoz, a masterwork of famed Spanish architect Fernando Higueras, dedicated to the festival in 2018. The house, designed for artists Lucio Munoz and Amalie Avia, harmoniously blends into the landscape, cascading gracefully along the natural slope. Visitors meander through narrow corridors, bright rooms, and halls, connecting with the creative spirits who once resided within its walls.
A visit to Viviendas militares San Bernardo surprises with its innovative shape and style. Designed by Fernando Igeras, this military residential complex showcases interconnected courtyards that exude a magical charm, emphasizing the harmonious relationship between architecture and nature—a core value dear to every architect’s heart.
For the aficionados of cultural heritage, the Instituto del Patrimonio Cultural de España stands as a masterpiece of circular architecture. Its unique reinforced concrete design, akin to structures from science fiction films, facilitates the preservation and restoration of Spain’s cultural treasures, a haven for masterpieces and their guardians alike.
The Tabacalera, originally a royal factory and later a tobacco factory, takes us on a journey back to the 18th-century industrial past. The building’s interior, adorned with minimalistic style and working details, now hosts photography, contemporary art exhibitions, and cultural events, breathing new life into its historic walls.
Stepping into Almacén Alquian Hoptimo, visitors encounter a cozy shop specializing in 20th-century decor. With a mesmerizing array of modern details and collectibles, each with its own unique history and energy, this store is a haven for art enthusiasts and collectors alike. The historic late 19th-century building itself becomes an artistic ensemble of brick, marble, and iron, setting the perfect stage for an unforgettable shopping experience.
Our journey culminates at the Estacion de Chamberi, a nostalgic glimpse into Madrid’s first metro line, which opened in 1919. Though closed in the 1960s, the station’s interiors remain a testament to a bygone era. Decorative ceramic coatings and vintage advertising posters evoke the spirit of the 1920s, offering visitors a delightful trip through time.
As the Open House Madrid Festival continues to captivate hearts and minds, it unveils the city’s soul, blending history, creativity, and innovation into a harmonious symphony of architectural brilliance. A true ode to Madrid’s cultural heritage, this festival invites both residents and guests to immerse themselves in the city’s captivating charm, opening their eyes to the treasures that lie beneath the surface of everyday life.
