Sala Canal Isabel II Madrid

Madrid's unique art space

Andrea from Madrid

About Me I am a teacher and examiner who made a home in Madrid many years ago. I love live music, art, books, travel, food and dancing and am well served for all my interests in Madrid. I live on a special plane where I exist as an eternal tourist (check out Alain de Botton’s book The Art of Travel) who maintains a sense of wonder in a familiar place. I love showing people round my favourite...
"Sala Canal Isabel II in Madrid used to be a water tower: now it's an uber-cool gallery used for media exhibitions. I love it, and not just because..."

Sala Canal Isabel II by Rios Rosas metro in Madrid is a great example of an imaginatively re-purposed space. This beautiful tower was originally built to deal with the poor water pressure in this neighbourhood. Made redundant by improvements in engineering and plumbing, it was eventually transformed into an uber-cool gallery space in 1986, destined specifically for contemporary photography and audio-visual exhibitions, although occasionally other arts are featured.

For example, on show currently is a highly popular exhibition of gowns from the studio of Spanish couture designer Lorenzo Caprile.  The walls have been painted black, and spotlights on the opulent gowns make a dramatic display. Opened mid-October 2024, you can catch it up to March 30 2025. For the first time, you can reserve tickets online, which I recommend. It’s very easy — just search for “exposición Caprile Lorenzo” and reserve your free tickets for up to 5 people.

It really is a truly unique gallery where you can see a beautifully curated exhibition in under an hour — perfect for days when you fancy a small dose of culture!

002-building
Art & culture

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Madrid Spotter Andrea

About Me I am a teacher and examiner who made a home in Madrid many years ago. I love live music, art, books, travel, food and dancing and am well served for all my interests in Madrid. I live on a special plane where I exist as an eternal tourist (check out Alain de Botton’s book The Art of Travel) who maintains a sense of wonder in a familiar place. I love showing people round my favourite spots in Madrid but am never happier than when I am discovering new gems. Why Madrid Madrid seduced me when I first visited, with its untamed and unapologetic Spanishness. We came ...

About this spot

Calle de Santa Engracia, 125

free

915451000

Oct 21, 2025

Our Madrid City Guide

Find your way with 266 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Madrid guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Madrid

Bodegas El Maño

Savour the soul of Spain

The creamy interior of the croquetas, combined with a crispy shell, offer a taste of home-cooked perfection that could only be found in the heart of Spain.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Álvaro

Martínez Ponce

Nov 7, 2025

Darchini

Taste of India, western twist

Darchini offers a culinary journey that promises both authenticity and satisfaction, ensuring that every visit is very memorable.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Álvaro

Martínez Ponce

Nov 7, 2025

Cesar's Burgers

Indulge in burger brilliance

Cesar's Burgers redefines burger enjoyment with "La Campeona 2.0" and bacon cheese fries. And the warm atmosphere and the attentive service are a big plus.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Álvaro

Martínez Ponce

Nov 7, 2025

Jack's Library

A unique mixology experience

Despite its hidden location and exclusive ambiance, Jack's Library welcomes all who enter its hallowed halls with warmth and hospitality.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Álvaro

Martínez Ponce

Nov 7, 2025

La Coquette Blues Bar

Soul in a unique venue

With its intimate lighting, La Coquette creates a bohemian cave-like atmosphere with talented musicians that fill the room with beautiful melodies.

002-building
Art & culture
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Álvaro

Martínez Ponce

Nov 7, 2025

Menomale

Unveil a hidden Italian culinary gem

The Margherita at Menomale, with its simple yet perfect combination of fresh ingredients, is a testament to the art of pizza-making.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Álvaro

Martínez Ponce

Nov 7, 2025

Pez Tortilla

My beloved tortilla haven

Pez Tortilla is a journey through the flavours of Spain, with each tortilla pincho revealing a unique combination of ingredients.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Álvaro

Martínez Ponce

Nov 7, 2025

El Rincón de la Habana

Mojitos perfected

The mojitos here are unparalleled; fresh mint, the perfect amount of sugar, and rum combine in harmony to create a drink that's both refreshing & powerful.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Álvaro

Martínez Ponce

Nov 7, 2025

Ninja Taberna Japonesa

Flavors of Japan in Madrid

Each dish at Ninja Taberna Japonesa is a revelation. The exquisitely prepared Yakisoba is, without a doubt, the best I've ever tasted.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Álvaro

Martínez Ponce

Nov 7, 2025

Café Comercial

A Timeless Culinary Journey

Each plate tells a story, celebrating the rich gastronomic history of Spain while introducing innovative culinary twists that will tantalize your palate.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Nov 7, 2025

El Segoviano

You will go for the roasts

"El Segoviano" restaurant, in the center of Madrid, very close to the Atocha train station, has had the best Spanish cuisine for almost half a century...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Nov 7, 2025

Lao Tou

For the Chinese food lovers

"Lao Tou" in Madrid's Chinatown is arguably one of (if not) the most authentic Chinese restaurant you can find. Stop the search and go to Lao Tou.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Nov 7, 2025

Heading to Madrid?

266 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Madrid app Home
Madrid app Home
Madrid app Map
Madrid app Home

Heading to Madrid?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

266 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Madrid

Get to know our other Spotters from Madrid

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
26
Made with the 💚 of 497 Spotters.
Filters