Madrid residents have a unique chance to fill the first week of February with cultural discoveries—all without spending a euro. As unpredictable weather and winter blues set in, the city offers a packed program for those unwilling to stay home. The spotlight is on events sure to surprise even the most sophisticated crowds: from virtuoso concerts to pressing social topics and visual experiments.
Musical Discoveries
Within the historic walls of Ateneo de Madrid, a concert promises to be a true test for young pianists. Students from the class of Josu de Solaun will perform pieces that demand not just technical mastery but also mature musical insight. The program features works by Ravel, Balakirev, Turina, Chopin, Rachmaninov, and Liszt. Each performance is a story of its own, highlighting different eras and styles, and for the audience, it’s a rare chance to hear how classics sound through the talent of the new generation.
Josu de Solaun himself is an extraordinary figure in the music world. His teaching career has earned international accolades, and his students frequently win top prizes at prestigious competitions. The concert will take place on February 1 at 19:00 at calle del Prado, 21, within walking distance of the Antón Martín, Sol, and Sevilla metro stations.
Film and Emotion
Cinema lovers have a rare chance to see one of the most talked-about Spanish films of the year — Sirât by director Óliver Laxe. The film, already featured at the Cannes Festival, takes viewers into the atmosphere of the Sahara, where a father and son set out in search of a missing daughter. The picture weaves together drama, mysticism, and profound psychology, while its visuals fully immerse you in the extreme conditions of the desert.
The screening will take place on February 2 at 18:30 at Casa de Vacas, located in the heart of El Retiro park. This venue has long been a favorite destination for fans of auteur cinema and unique cultural events. The easiest way to get there is by metro — Retiro station (line 2).
A view of the world
Those interested in current global affairs should not miss the meeting at Círculo de Bellas Artes. On February 5 at 19:30, Sam Rose, the acting director of UNRWA in Gaza, will speak here. His account of the humanitarian disaster in the region promises to be not only informative but also emotionally charged. In a context where political decisions directly affect the lives of thousands, such events take on special significance.
The event will be held in the Columnas hall, one of the most recognizable spaces in the cultural center at calle de Alcalá, 42. The nearest metro station is Banco de España (line 2).
Street art
The exhibition ‘Arte urbano. De los orígenes a Banksy’ (Urban Art. From the Origins to Banksy) invites visitors to trace the journey of street art from the underground graffiti scenes of Philadelphia and New York to the works of contemporary stars like Banksy, JR, and Invader. More than 60 original pieces, created by both international and Spanish artists, showcase the evolution of the genre and its impact on the urban environment.
The exhibition runs from February 4 to May 3 at Fundación Canal de Isabel II, located at calle de Mateo Inurria, 2. You can get there by metro to plaza de Castilla station (lines 1, 9, 10).
Light and movement
For those seeking something unusual, the El Pozo cultural center in the Puente de Vallecas district will host the show Light & Magic. This is more than just a circus—it’s a true light performance, featuring LED equipment and intricate choreography. Artists from Circo Diverso transform darkness into a stage, where every gesture and lighting effect becomes part of a unified visual narrative.
The show is organized as part of the 21 Distritos program, aimed at revitalizing Madrid’s neighborhoods through culture. Performances are scheduled from February 4 to May 3 at the same Fundación Canal de Isabel II venue.
