La Casa Encendida in Madrid: Free Exhibitions, Rooftop Terrace and Opening Hours

Updated on October 9, 2026

La Casa Encendida is a cultural and social centre run by the Montemadrid Foundation, at Ronda de Valencia 2, on the edge of Lavapiés and Embajadores. It occupies a Neo-Mudéjar building designed by the architect Fernando Arbós and opened in 1913, renovated to house five exhibition rooms, an auditorium, a screening room, a library and a rooftop terrace with one of Madrid's first organic urban vegetable gardens. Entry is free; only some concerts, film screenings and workshops are paid. Opening hours taken from tourist sources: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 9pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm, closed on Mondays; confirm on the official website before you go. It is a good free stop if you are exploring Lavapiés or coming back from the Rastro: allow 1 to 1.30 hours for the current exhibitions, longer if you stay on the terrace.

Highlights

The Neo-Mudéjar facade

Exposed brick, horseshoe arches and ceramic ornaments: the 1913 building keeps its facade, courtyards and original staircase, while the interior was completely rebuilt. It is best seen from the opposite pavement on the Ronda de Valencia.

The corner on the Ronda de Valencia

The corner tower and the bands of brick and stone make the building look like an oriental monument in the middle of a working-class neighbourhood. It is the classic photo of the place.

The inner courtyard

The original courtyard serves as a hall and a passage between the rooms; you can walk in freely and sometimes find artists' installations.

The exhibitions

Five rooms, about 1,000 m² in all, show contemporary art, photography, design and projects linked to the environment and solidarity. The programme changes several times a year: check it before you go.

The rooftop terrace

On the top level, the terrace and its urban garden are one of the most pleasant corners of the neighbourhood. Whether it is open depends on the season and the weather: check on site or on the website.

Concerts, cinema and workshops

The auditorium (175 seats) and the screening room (72 seats) host concerts, film series, talks and workshops. Some activities are paid and need a ticket or a reservation.

Opening hours and prices

Free entry to the exhibitions; occasional paid activities. Tuesday to Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 10am-4pm, closed on Mondays (hours to be confirmed with the centre).

Practical info

Tips

Go in the late afternoon: the light is lovely on the brick, and you can follow with an evening in Lavapiés. Check the programme online for concerts and screenings, which are often full. Also read: Lavapiés; San Fernando market; free things to do in Madrid.

How to get there

Ronda de Valencia 2, 28012 Madrid. Metro Embajadores (lines 3 and 5) or Lavapiés (line 3). Many bus lines, including 6, 27, 34, 36, 41, 59, 60, 62, 85 and 116.