Yes, you’ve read correctly. Sala Equis is a new concept of cinema, located at the former Cine Duque de Alba, the oldest XXX movie theatre in Madrid. However, it’s not at all what you would expect it to be.
It’s practically impossible to imagine the impressive interior from the street. In fact, if you’re not paying attention, you may skip the entrance.
Sala Equis is a multifunctional cultural space. The biggest area is the covered patio, illuminated during the day by the large skylight open on the roof, and during the evening by the red light neons that will remind you of its sexy past. On the screen, located where the original once was, there is a continuous projection of silent films that you can enjoy sitting on hammocks or benches for free.
They serve drinks and food that you can even take upstairs, to the small red velvet cinema. Each month they do thematic movie screenings, combining old with recent pictures. They’re all original version films (with subtitles).
During the week, there are other activities like concerts, presentations, conferences or exhibitions.
P.S. When you go through the passage entrance hall don’t forget to look to the left corner, you will find one of the old ticket offices including some old XXX movie billboards that are still standing.
