Círculo de Bellas Artes (CBA)

The basics

The Círculo de Bellas Artes (CBA) is a nonprofit cultural organization that focuses on promoting the arts in Madrid. You can see works by both famous and up-and-coming artists inside the exhibition halls, watch an indie film at the on-site cinema, or take a glass elevator up to the CBA's panoramic rooftop. The CBA is included in a variety of Madrid sightseeing itineraries, from walking tours to hop-on, hop-off bus packages to architecture tours that feature visits to the rooftop.

Things to know before you go

• The Círculo de Bellas Artes is a must-visit for art fans.

• All of the CBA facilities, except for the Goya and Minerva rooms, are wheelchair accessible.

• There's an on-site restaurant, La Pecera, that you can visit without a ticket to the expo halls.

How to get there

The Círculo de Bellas Artes is located in the heart of Madrid, and is easy to reach on foot or by public transportation. It’s a 10-minute walk from the Prado Museum, and the Banco de España station, on line 1 of the metro, is a block away. The Recoletos railway station is about a 10-minute walk away.

When to get there

The exhibition halls are open from Tuesday through Sunday from late morning until well into the evening, with a break for lunch and a siesta in the afternoon. Check the website for details of specific exhibits, films, and events.

Cibeles Fountain (Fuente de Cibeles)

Just around the corner from the CBA lies one of Madrid's most spectacular monuments: the Cibeles Fountain (Fuente de Cibeles). This landmark on the Paseo del Prado features Cybele, the Greek goddess of fertility, piloting a lion-pulled chariot, and was once used as a source of clean drinking water for Madrid residents.