In early October 2025, Madrid once again becomes a focal point for everyone interested in architecture and the city’s history. From October 3 to 13, the capital will host the XXII Architecture Week, which promises to impress even the most discerning enthusiasts. This year, the organizers have prepared a packed program: more than three hundred events, including free tours of buildings usually closed to the public, themed city walks, lectures, concerts, and workshops for children and adults.
This time, special attention is given to a unique opportunity—visitors will, for the first time in two centuries, be able to see the original furniture of Carlos III, brought together in one of the Royal Palace’s hidden chambers. This historic moment will be a real treat for art and history lovers, as such an exhibition has not been assembled since the 19th century. The event is expected to attract huge interest, as these interiors are typically off-limits to the public.
This year, Portugal takes part as the festival’s guest country. The program gives special emphasis to the works of Álvaro Siza Vieira, a Pritzker Prize laureate, as well as other prominent architects from Lisbon and Porto. Visitors will get acquainted with current trends in Portuguese architecture and have the chance to visit a photo exhibition dedicated to the Alvalade district in Lisbon. For several days, Madrid will become a platform for dialogue between the two countries and their cultural heritage.
This year, Architecture Week is also dedicated to the memory of Luis Gutiérrez Soto, one of the most prominent Spanish architects of the 20th century. In honor of the 125th anniversary of his birth, an open-air exhibition will be held in Retiro Park, featuring 14 of his iconic works, including the famous Barceló cinema, the Ministry of Aviation building, and the Phoenix House on Castellana. This route offers a chance to see the city through the eyes of a master and appreciate his contribution to the image of the modern capital.
As part of the festival, the doors will open not only to renowned landmarks such as the Goyeneche Palace, the Embassy of Italy, or the Air Force Headquarters, but also to lesser-known buildings that usually remain in the background. Themed routes will cover various aspects of urban life: from hospital architecture to bourgeois mansions in the Salamanca district and film sets from well-known movies. Interactive workshops will be held for children, allowing them to design their own city project, as well as the Pop Arq Store fair, where designer items created by Madrid architects will be available.
You can sign up for tours and routes starting September 23, either in person at the headquarters of the architectural association on Calle Hortaleza, 63, or online. The number of spots is limited: only 274 passes will be available for various events. Last year, more than 15,000 people participated, and this year organizers expect even greater interest. The program is designed for everyone—from professionals to those just beginning to discover Madrid’s architectural heritage.
