I make a point to visit CaixaForum whenever I’m in Madrid and absolutely love it—it’s one of those cultural gems that feels effortlessly cool and accessible. You’ll typically find 2–3 exhibitions running at the same time, and the great thing is that one ticket usually gets you into all of them. The exhibitions vary a lot—everything from historical retrospectives to cutting‑edge multimedia art—and they consistently bring in content from around the world.
For example, last year they hosted a phenomenal Pixar exhibition. It was a total delight, showcasing the studio’s creative process, iconic characters, storyboards, and behind‑the‑scenes artwork. This year, the highlight for me was the Alice in Wonderland exhibit. It offered a fresh, imaginative take on Lewis Carroll’s classic tale—with illustrations, interactive installations, and modern artist interpretations that brought Wonderland to life in unexpected ways.
The space itself is really appealing: an old power station repurposed with sleek, contemporary design. The contrast between industrial architecture and refined exhibit design gives the whole place an artsy, urban vibe. It’s clean, well‑signposted, and easy to navigate—even with multiple exhibitions running at once.
I also always make a point to visit the gift shop. It’s small, but it’s packed—lots of clever, well‑designed souvenirs related to the current show, and others that nod to past exhibitions and art in general. Whether you’re after a quirky postcard or a beautiful coffee‑table book, you’ll find something that catches your eye.
Tickets are relatively inexpensive—especially for the quality and variety of the exhibitions on offer. Plus, being right in the city center means it’s an easy cultural stop between tapas or museum‑hopping. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s definitely worth a visit. Always something new, well curated, and...
Read moreCaixaForum Madrid is a must-visit cultural gem! The museum seamlessly blends thought-provoking exhibitions with a stunning architectural design, making it an enriching experience for all visitors.
During my visit, I was captivated by an intriguing exhibition on the First World War. The display was immersive and informative, showcasing rare artifacts, photographs, and personal stories that brought the history of this pivotal era to life. The thoughtful curation provided a deep understanding of the war’s global impact and the human experiences behind it.
Equally fascinating was the dinosaur exhibition. It was a hit for all ages, featuring life-sized models, fossils, and interactive displays. The exhibit offered a glimpse into the prehistoric world, combining scientific insights with engaging visuals.
The museum’s atmosphere is both modern and welcoming, with a rooftop terrace offering fantastic views of Madrid. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, adding to the overall positive experience.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a science lover, or simply curious, CaixaForum Madrid delivers an unforgettable journey through time and culture. Highly...
Read moreThe building and the exhibitions are great. The only downside are the extremely stringent, pedantic rules and overbearing staff. These are seemingly unnecessary and enforced quite obsessively - my friends and I were repeatedly called out for a number of "infractions", such as wearing a tote bag too far back (even though all items were encased and there was therefore no risk of knocking anything), or removing our masks momentarily to take a sip of water. We were also virtually hounded out by staff as soon as closing time was near, with constant announcements and multiple staff rounding on us one after the other. Being repeatedly observed and frequently told off was frankly a bit infantilizing, with the overall result being that we weren't able to enjoy the amazing exhibitions as much as we would have liked. I completely understand that there have to be rules, both for the safety of all visitors and the maintenance of the artworks. However these have to be designed appropriately, in light of the actual (and not exaggerated) risks, and enforced flexibly in a way that they don't unnecessarily badger...
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