An unusual exhibition has opened in the Spanish capital, dedicated to the evolution of the crime novel genre rooted in Madrid. The venue—the Joaquín Leguina Regional Library (Biblioteca Regional Joaquín Leguina)—presents unique materials that illustrate how the capital step by step has shaped its own tradition of noir literature. The exhibition traces the journey from the Golden Age to present-day bestsellers, proving that Madrid stands shoulder to shoulder with Barcelona in this genre.
From Cervantes to the Realists: The Origins of Madrid Noir
The journey into history begins with the works of Miguel de Cervantes, where traces of the future crime novel can already be found. His ‘The Power of Blood’ (La fuerza de la sangre) may not be classic noir, but it features all the key elements: crime, investigation, and the pursuit of truth. From there, the exhibition moves to the 19th century, when Benito Pérez Galdós and Emilia Pardo Bazán lay the foundations of the genre, describing real crimes and weaving aspects of police investigations into their narratives. Though their works are rarely labeled as noir, they became pivotal for future writers.
Highs and Pauses: The 20th Century and the Birth of a Modern Tradition
The transition to the 20th century was marked by a long period of stagnation: for almost seventy years, the genre remained in the shadows, and attempts to emulate American models saw little success. Everything changed with the arrival of Francisco García Pavón and his inspector Plinio, who became a symbol of Spanish crime fiction. With the advent of democracy, the genre experienced a real boom: new writers moved the action to a vibrant Madrid, where sweeping social changes provided the backdrop for complex investigations. It was during this time that a unique style took shape, making the city not just a setting, but an essential participant in the story.
The Geography of Crime: From City Center to Suburbs
Organizers paid special attention to how the ‘map’ of crime has changed. While stories once unfolded only in central districts, now suburbs and smaller regional towns are coming into focus. Authors increasingly choose locations like El Escorial or Móstoles for their narratives, and the divide between the north and south of the capital becomes a key part of the plot. Each neighborhood follows its own rules, and social contrasts add even more drama to the story.
From Manuscripts to the Screen: Noir in Culture and Media
The exhibition goes beyond just books. The showcases feature original manuscripts, notes, rare 19th-century editions, and contemporary documents that are usually stored digitally. A separate section explores literature’s influence on film and television: visitors can watch clips from old movies and popular series based on famous novels. Modern authors are increasingly writing with the screen in mind, which is evident in the growing number of recent adaptations.
The exhibition also hosts lectures, round tables, and master classes discussing not only literary topics but also the social dimensions of the genre. Special attention is given to women authors and their contribution to the development of Spanish noir. For those who want to immerse themselves even deeper, the event features a series of film screenings and creative meetings with writers.
The exhibition proves that Madrid has its own unique ‘dark’ tradition. A city where different eras and destinies collide has become the perfect stage for the most unexpected plots. Now, anyone can see how literary crimes reflect real life in the capital.
