Barrio de Matadero

YES! A great day out for all the family. Plenty to do in a funky urban setting. From free exhibitions, cinema, dining and just chilling out, to hiring bikes for cycling along the river.

Was recommended by a friend to visit this place and arrived around 1pm on a Thursday. However, upon arrival, discovered that there was nothing taking place until 4 and 5pm and since I was leaving for the airport soon I couldn’t stay. Seems like a nice cultural place to explore short films, fashion, and other artistic forms of expression. Make sure to check their schedule before making the trip here!

very nice place to visit for arts and media, it also has cafes, a cantina and eventually a market happens there. the architecture is awesome, features restored old buildings and rock walls in contrast with new tech and contemporary art.

I had the best exhibition experience in Madrid at Matadero with Apichatpong Weerasethakul exhibition. And it was all for free. If you are even slightly interested in his films do not miss it. And even if you are not interested at all do not miss it. It is poetic and fascinating.

it's a real fascinating story to hear how this place has changed over the years. i was able to visit on a not so busy day which was a bit upsetting as nothing crazy was really going on but it was nice to see how this is now a cultural center and a hot spot to visit for locals and tourists alike or at least that's what i was told by one of the people who were working there at the time

I really like the place.One of my favourite in Madrid.

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

All the exhibitions at the Matadero are always very nice. It’s always an immersion in a new culture with fresh new artists. Matader is one of the stop in Madrid that you always have to check because there’s plenty of exhibition, concerts, movies or shows at the same time and always something happens there.

Nice place to walk around and find surprising things to do

Amazing use of an old slaughterhouse into a creative arts space. There was a food market on when we went which made it even better! Only 10 mins out of the centre on the metro

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!

The Matadero is an impressive structure from the 1800s that has be reformed in the early 2010 to turn a meat-making machine into an exceptional space for cultural expression. It's an example worldwide for the use of enormous areas that have spent time being abandoned - like Parc de la Villette in Paris or the Meatpacking District in New York. The only pity is that I didn't see Escaravox - where is it? Nobody knew.

Great space to present many different things wish I had more time to visit maybe before I leave

This was an incredible experience. Loved how this former abattoir was converted into a hip artistic destination. Great vibe! Free plates of paella were given to each who wanted. A must see.

Amazing cultural center. The true meaning of it. Works all day long, open to the public, offers a wide range of different activities, workshops, market places, gallery exhibitions and much more. You can as well just come with your laptop, find a nice corner and work there. There is a free cinema included as well, accompanied by a charming bar next to it. Taking in mind it used to be a slaughter house for animals, Matadero truly lives up to a brand new functionality which is its devotion to the public. So don't hesitate to visit it. It's a great example what a real cultural center should look like and how it should be managed

Went to see the Tutankamon inmersive exhibit, nice place ample, clean, you park in the shopping center

Worth the trip from the center. Old industrial scale slaughterhouse from 1820s. Now culture and arts center. Beautiful facades and clock tower. Check the schedule before you visit.

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

Matadero is an extra-ordinary place, Full of curiosities, quality art venues, performances and installation. A definite Must - see in Madrid ✨

A beautiful experience, even just for a stroll. We hadn’t booked tickets to any films or plays, but we visited the library and drunk Tinto de verano at Matadero, and that was one of the best things we did in our trip. Very worthy, no one should leave Madrid without visiting!

Interesting place for events. Definitely best place for Mad Games Show 2024.

Nice history show about cleopatra

El Matadero is one of the most funky and cool cultural spots in Madrid. It used to be a slaughterhouse, but now it’s a creative space full of art, performances, and workshops. The vibe is industrial but welcoming, with a mix of locals and visitors hanging out, especially on weekends. I’ve been to several exhibitions here —some really thought-provoking installations. They also have a small film screening going on at certain dates and times. Best to check out what they’re currently offering on their website before visiting. It’s located in the Legazpi area, a little south of the city center, but very easy to get to by metro. Definitely worth the trip if you’re into art, culture, or just want something different from the usual tourist spots.

We loved visiting this place. They have so many cultural things to do. There were 2 expositions when we visited. The space in itself is great.

My wife and I went to the Matadero the day before we fly out of Madrid. Honestly it was really a fun exhibit, but all my photos were on my other phone (so you’ll have to take my work for it). I’m aware it used to be a slaughterhouse, but now it’s a cultural center and really a nice place to view. If you’re looking for a nice place to spend a few hours, look at some art that tells a story, this is it.

This was an unintentional stop for me and I'm so glad I ended here. There's many cute little buildings and museums to enter and you MUST stop at the Cantina inside. They have a beautiful garden and you'll feel so loved❤️ I wish I were back right now🌺

Former slaughterhouse turned cultural hub, now hosting exhibitions, design markets, and open-air events. Check the program before you go; offerings change weekly. The industrial architecture is a draw in itself. Family-friendly, with plenty of space to wander, and cafés nearby make lingering easy. Great for an alternative afternoon.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ A beautiful example of industrial recovery! It is impressive to see how these historic slaughterhouse buildings have been transformed into such a striking cultural space. The architecture is stunning, and it is clear there are many well-managed spaces designed for a variety of artistic and community purposes. However, be mindful of when you visit. We went on a day when no specific events were scheduled, and almost everything was closed except for the main reception area. Without an active exhibition or event, it feels more like a quiet architectural walk rather than a bustling destination.

Open area free of entry with different art exhibitions , dance and theater. For some I recommend planning your visit and buying tickets in advance.

We came in for a band play for a free entrance. Very well done on there organization

Great art expo for all enthusiasts. Amazing video of his Klimpt's work on a 30min loop. The 3D google/show at the end was a lovely final touch to a wonderful experience. The only downside, hence the 4/5 stars is access to public parking, the closest was nearly a km away!

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

Cultural district with multiple museums, galleries and exibithons. There are also a couple of restaurants and bars. Nice open place close to the park near to the river.

Love the concept of repurposing the old slaughterhouses. However do check out the events that are taking place individually on their website first before heading down. Once tickets are sold out online (like the ongoing Klimt media show), the counter has no tickets as well. It will just be a huge ground for wandering around with no purpose.

Nothing much to do at this place. Its wide open has a lot of seating. Ideal place for concerts and events. There are different art displays here.

one of the best places in Madrid to chill and enjoy the time as it passes by. I'm in awe of how well the buildings and structures were maintained and how well they tried to keep them all in tact after all these years. the structures within and around this area are perfect for photoshoot and the likes. also, a stroll around it is very ideal on a nice weather.

Matadero is the kind of cultural hub you keep returning to: lively programming (exhibitions, film, performance) in a polished industrial setting

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.

we didn't see any exhibitions or events here, It looks like this place is completely empty without it. like nothing is happening, no restaurants, bars, shops A few of the buildings were even abandoned. nothing to do here at this period of time (25.07.2025) waste of time

Maybe I misunderstood it but there were no shows or exhibitions to see. Just Titanic and a white box in the middle of the square. And no toilet paper in any of the three toilets that check. So, disappointed.