Matadero Madrid

The first thing I should explain about this place is its name: Matadero, which is Spanish for slaughterhouse. The place has been converted to an arts centre. Matadero is a lively, constantly changing space at the service of creative processes, participatory artistic training and dialogue between the arts. It was set up to help reflect on the contemporary sociocultural environment and support processes to build the culture of today and tomorrow. 

The slaughterhouse and livestock market was built in 1911 and consists of a complex of pavillions (naves). Its architecture incorporates Neo-Mudejar features, such as tiles with abstract designs. The buildings were in use as a slaughterhouse until 1996 when it was turned into the great laboratory for contemporary artistic creation that we know today.

I think it's a great idea to take advantage of old impressive buildings which are often architectural marvels and give them new uses instead of tearing them down. At the end of the day, they are part of the history of a city.

Do you have places like this in your city? If so, share them on the comments below. I'd love to check them out.

Cristina xo