Círculo de Bellas Artes Rooftop

Overview

The rooftop of the Círculo de Bellas Artes is one of Madrid's most celebrated viewpoints—a spacious open terrace atop a landmark 1926 Antonio Palacios building overlooking the convergence of Gran Vía and Calle de Alcalá.

Highlights

• Panoramic Views: Sweeping 360-degree perspectives encompassing the Telefónica Building, the Metropolis Building, Retiro Park, and the distant Guadarrama mountains.
• Minerva Statue: A striking bronze statue of the goddess Minerva (Athena) crowns the rooftop, visible from across the city.
• Sunset: The southwest-facing terrace makes this one of Madrid's best sunset locations.

History

The Círculo de Bellas Artes was founded in 1880 as a private cultural association. Its current building, designed by Antonio Palacios and completed in 1926, is one of Madrid's finest Art Deco structures. The rooftop was opened to the public in the early 2000s.

Visitor Tips

• Entry Fee: €5 entry fee to the rooftop; the cultural events and exhibitions inside are often free.
• Bar Service: There is a full bar on the terrace—cocktails at sunset are a quintessential Madrid experience.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.