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Photo: Macarrones, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Performs every Th and F at the Teatro Monumental on Calle Atocha.
The RTVE Symphony Orchestra, also known as the Spanish Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra, is a Spanish radio orchestra servicing Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE), the national broadcasting corporation. Established in February 1965, the orchestra is based at Teatro Monumental in Madrid since October 1988. Its entire regular season of concerts is broadcast on radio by Radio Clásica and television by La 2. The orchestra, along with the RTVE professional choir, forms one of the corporation's divisions.
This plaza is the heart of Madrid and one of the busiest places in the city - a hub for the local transit system, a favorite meeting spot for locals, a visible area for festivals or political demonstrations, and an opportune location for tour guides, street performers, pickpockets and anyone else looking to take advantage of all the tourists on-hand. In the center of the plaza sits the Statue of King Charles III on horseback, facing the Royal Post Office (Real Casa de Correos), the red-and-white building adorned with a clock tower on the plaza's south side. The building served as Madrid's first post office, then the police headquarters under Franco before being transformed into its current use as the office of the President of Madrid, the head of the regional government. The clock tower is noteworthy for being the center focus of New Year's celebrations every year, which are broadcast across Spain and mark the traditional eating of the Twelve Grapes (one for each ring of the bell) and the beginning of a new year. In front of the building is Kilometer Zero (Kilómetro Cero), a plaque showing the point where the measuring of national highway system begins. On the east side of the plaza is the famous Bear and the Madroño Tree Statue, a bear climbing a madroño tree, which is the symbol of Madrid, and on the west side of the plaza is the Mariblanca statue, a white marble goddess of at least the 17th century. Nearby the giant neon Tío Pepe sign sits above the plaza and is a famous fixture of this area.
Literally 'Great Way' (better translated as 'Broadway'), Gran Vía is one of the busiest avenues in Madrid. Running from Plaza de España to Plaza de Cibeles, it is the location of the cinema district and a number of shopping malls and is lined with large billboards and lights. There's a constant buzz of traffic and life – 03:00-04:00 early morning traffic jams are not unusual.
RABASF / Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando
Highly impressive art collection with paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints. Several Goya masterpieces.
An abandoned tobacco factory turned into a huge Berlin-like alternative art space driven by the diverse locals of Lavapies district. Also free workshops daily. Nice big cheap outdoors terrace.
It is hoped that the closure is temporary and that it will return in a reduced form after works, check website for current situation.
The main venue for contemporary music, dance, and theatre performance.
A non-profit cultural center located a short walk from Sol, the CBA offers up a wide variety of events and shows including film, music, art displays, dance, theater and more. See the website (in Spanish) for a list of activities. Great panoramic views of the city can be had from the Azotea, located at the top of the building.