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. read more

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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. read 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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more