The eighth edition of the Open House Madrid festival returns with a program that includes 93 buildings, 33 studios, 8 routes, 7 activities, and 10 itineraries. Titled "More Open Than Ever," it aims to reflect the welcoming character of the city and, at the same time, its openness to the world.
The festival will take place on September 23, 24, and 25, during which locals and visitors will be able to discover the architecture and learn about the urban planning of the capital of Spain, the country's most visited city and the fourth most visited in Europe, according to 2021 data from the INE (National Statistics Institute) and the UNWTO (World Tourism Organization).
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On Monday, September 19, the event's presentation took place, highlighting the renovation project of the recently remodeled Thompson Madrid Hotel (which is featured in the festival's program). This hotel occupies an 18th-century building that once housed the oldest cinemas in the capital's center. The presentation was attended by María José Piccio Marchetti Prado, Director General of Housing and Rehabilitation of the Community of Madrid; Luis Martín Izquierdo, Director General of Tourism of the Community of Madrid; and Almudena Maíllo del Valle, Councillor for Tourism.
Meanwhile, Almudena Maíllo commented that Madrid is a city full of life and activities, where there is always something happening, and that events like this help strengthen Madrid's intangible identity. She also stated that heritage is the primary reason international tourists visit the city, prompting her to champion Open House Madrid as another showcase that she encourages everyone to enjoy.
A major highlight of this year's edition is that, for the first time, the festival extends beyond the capital's limits to the city of Aranjuez, showcasing additional architectural landmarks. Aranjuez can be visited on September 24 without prior registration. Featured sites include the bullring and the Carlos III Royal Theater. Additionally, two routes will be offered: one focusing on the historic center and another exploring its corralas, the courtyard housing complexes where residents' daily life unfolded during the 18th century.
This expansion aims to bring visibility to other municipalities in the Community of Madrid, which are often overlooked by the public despite possessing a rich architectural and historical heritage that events like this can effectively promote. Rehabilitation work is currently underway in Aranjuez's urban center, and Open House Madrid will undoubtedly help boost local tourism.
This eighth edition features a highly comprehensive program with more new additions than previous years. In figures, it will open over 140 spaces, 43% of which are new. Furthermore, most visits do not require prior registration; to enjoy each activity, visitors only need to arrive early at the meeting point designated by the organizers.
Additionally, this year introduces a new concept: themed itineraries. Examples include 'From Madrid to the Sky,' 'Architecture of Film and Series,' and 'Sustainable Architecture.'
Among the new buildings featured this year are the Realia Tower / The Icon (including a visit to the helipad), the new Metro de Madrid Corporate Headquarters (opening to the public for the first time), the Congress of Deputies, the new IESE Business School Campus (a recently completed project with a special tour led by the architects of Sancho-Madridejos Architecture Office), the Arroyofresno Stormwater Tank, and the previously mentioned Thompson Madrid Hotel, among others.
Another novelty of the 2022 edition is the participation of Polestar, a premium Swedish 100% electric car brand newly arrived in Spain, known for the design, technology, performance, and range of its vehicles. Polestar is providing OHM with a fleet of Polestar 2 cars, allowing attendees to enjoy a 100% electric, zero-emission experience. This partnership aims to accelerate the city's transition toward fully sustainable mobility.
The festival also aims to pay tribute to two prominent figures who redefined mid-20th century Spanish architecture: José Antonio Corrales Gutiérrez (Madrid, 1921 – Madrid, 2010) and Ramón Vázquez Molezún (La Coruña, 1922 – Madrid, 1993).
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Visitors will be able to tour some of their most iconic works: Casa Huarte, the Hexagons Pavilion, the European Parliament headquarters (Castellana 43 Building), and the Parish of María Inmaculada and Santa Vicenta. Additionally, an exhibition titled "A Look at Casa Huarte" will be held at the Bulthaup showroom on Claudio Coello. Dedicated to the iconic retreat house designed by Corrales and Molezún (1966), the exhibition showcases the work of one of Spain's leading architectural photographers: Luis Asín.
Open House Madrid is a non-profit initiative that promotes and raises awareness of architectural heritage, integrating Madrid into the international Open House Worldwide community. Since its inaugural edition in 2015, the festival has welcomed nearly 340,000 visitors and built a community of over 35,000 people, making it a must-visit event for architecture lovers in the region.
This edition is supported by numerous institutions, sponsors, and collaborators who have joined the initiative to help promote the city's rich urban landscape. Notable institutional support comes from the Ministry of Transport, Mobility, and Urban Agenda; the Community of Madrid, through its departments of Culture, Tourism, and Sports, and of Environment, Housing, and Agriculture; and the Madrid City Council, through its departments of Tourism, and of Mobility and Environment. Additionally, companies such as Polestar, Signify, Exteriorplus, Arup, Minim Madrid, and Bulthaup Claudio Coello have joined the festival's sponsor lineup, which also features collaboration from Canal de Isabel II, the Aranjuez City Council, Fonestar, METALOCUS, Diseño Interior, Room, and ArchDaily.
This article was written by Mili Sánchez Azcona. The translation is powered by AI.
