Cibeles Cinema
06/23/2020
Spaniards love cinema, and just as much as they appreciate their own burgeoning film industry, they also enjoy European, Hollywood and international films. The sector has experienced a renaissance over the last decade, with a significant increase in the number of Spanish-language films being released internationally. A new wave of Spanish directors such as Isabel Coixet (The Bookshop), Juan Antonio Bayona (A Monster Calls) and Alejandro Amenábar (The Others) are internationally recognised, taking the baton from pioneering figures such as Pedro Almodóvar and Bigas Luna. Spanish film stars such as Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz and Antonio Banderas are right at home, both in Hollywood and in home-grown independent films.
Summers for film lovers in Madrid
Film festivals and film seasons
This fascination with cinema is reflected in the number of festivals held across the country, the most important of which is the San Sebastián International Film Festival (held since 1953), followed by the Sitges Film Festival (focusing on fantasy and horror films, held since 1971) and the Málaga Spanish Film Festival (featuring Spanish-language films). All major cities have their own cinema programmes with screenings throughout the year. One of the most popular takes place every summer in Madrid: Cine Cibeles, held in the Galería de Cristal at CentroCentro, located next to the fountain of the same name, one of the capital’s most famous landmarks.
Summer nights
As is the case every summer, this 2018 edition will screen over 90 films in their original language with Spanish subtitles (VOSE) between 29 June and 9 September. The programme features an eclectic mix of classic and cult films combined with the most popular current releases. All film genres are included, from drama to comedy, from documentaries to musicals – there really is something for everyone. The programme also includes supporting events, such as exhibitions, children’s workshops, themed art and food events, and much more.
The Galería de Cristal is a covered courtyard forming part of Madrid City Hall, covering an area of 2,800 square metres. A state-of-the-art glass roof allows public and private events to be held there all year round. Formerly known as the Cathedral of Communications, the Palacio de Cibeles was completed in 1919 to designs by architects Antonio Palacios and Joaquín Otamendi. Occupying the area that was formerly part of the Buen Retiro Gardens, its Neo-Gothic style reflects the architects’ distinctive style (they also designed the Hospital de Jornaleros de Maude), featuring profusely carved decoration and tall spires reaching towards the sky.
A unique cinema experience
The Glass Gallery is air-conditioned – a key consideration for Madrid’s sweltering evenings – and has a total seating capacity of 700 in this unique setting. Each seat is equipped with wireless speakers, and film fans can also make use of the bar, which is open from 8 pm until the start of the final screening, around 10 pm. This year, to mark the fifth anniversary of Cibeles Cine, the Madrid-based magazine El Duende has sponsored an art exhibition celebrating the publication’s 20th anniversary.
Practical information
Screenings take place from Monday to Thursday between 8 pm and 12.30 am, as well as on Sundays, whilst on Fridays and Saturdays the last screening finishes at 2.30 am.
Tickets cost €6, with a reduced price on Mondays (€5) as part of ‘Spectator’s Day’, a tradition observed throughout Spain.
Various ticket and refreshment packages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are available to purchase on the official website: www.cibelesdecine.com
Location
The entrance to the Galería de Cristal, where Cibeles Cine is screened, is via the main entrance of CentroCentro (Palacio de Cibeles) at Plaza Cibeles 1, 28014 Madrid. The exit is via a side door on Calle Montalbán 1.
Transport
The nearest underground station is Banco de España, whilst if you’re arriving by train, the nearest station is Recoletos. Thanks to its central location, numerous buses will take you right to the main entrance; 1, 2, 202, 5, 9, 10, 14, 15, 20, 27, 34, 37, 45, 51, 52, 53, 74, 146, 150, 203, as well as the Express Airport Bus.
For private cars, the nearest car park is located at 1 Montalbán Street, which also has spaces for bicycles.
Accommodation, dining and cocktails
The Hotel Único Madrid and the Principal Madrid Hotel are ideally situated near the Cibeles Cinema, no more than a 10-minute walk from Plaza Cibeles. For film buffs, both hotels offer stunning views and a backdrop to the cinematic experience; Hotel Único, with its 19th-century mansion, is situated in one of Madrid’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, home also to Ramón Freixa Madrid, the award-winning restaurant that is the perfect cinematic accompaniment. And The Principal, right at the heart of it all on Madrid’s Gran Vía, where La Terraza, the rooftop cocktail bar, or the Ático restaurant (a slightly less formal gourmet experience, also by Ramón Freixa) guarantee an unforgettable stay in every sense of the word.
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