commemorative plaque to María Guerrero

The commemorative plaque to María Guerrero sits on a theatre building on Calle Tamayo y Baus in Madrid, in the Justicia district close to Paseo de Recoletos. It honors one of the most important figures of Spanish theatre at the turn of the twentieth century.

Who was María Guerrero?

María Guerrero (1867–1928) was an actress, theatre director and impresario, widely regarded as one of the founders of modern Spanish theatre. She made her stage debut in October 1885 and quickly rose to become a leading actress at the Teatro Español, where she performed works by playwright José Echegaray and earned wide acclaim from audiences and critics alike. In January 1896 she married actor Fernando Díaz de Mendoza, and together the couple went on to acquire the Teatro de la Princesa, one of the capital's most significant theatre buildings.

Why is the plaque here?

It was in the building of the former Teatro de la Princesa that María Guerrero lived from 1918 until her death ten years later, in 1928. In her honor, the theatre was renamed Teatro María Guerrero in 1931 and it has kept that name ever since. The plaque, placed by Madrid's city council as part of the municipal Memory Plan, reads: "Aquí vivió y murió María Guerrero (1867–1928), gran actriz, empresaria e impulsora del teatro español" — "Here lived and died María Guerrero, great actress, entrepreneur and promoter of Spanish theatre." It was unveiled to mark the 150th anniversary of her birth, celebrated in 2017.

How do you get there?

The Teatro María Guerrero stands right in the center of Madrid, within easy walking distance of Plaza de Colón and Gran Vía. The most convenient way to reach it is by metro to Colón or Banco de España station, both just a few minutes' walk from the building. The surrounding area makes for a pleasant short stroll through the historic city center, and the quiet streets of the Justicia district nearby are also worth exploring.

What can you see there?

The plaque itself is modest in size, but its location is a good excuse to step inside the theatre, now home to the Centro Dramático Nacional, one of Spain's leading theatrical institutions. Look out for the building's elegant early-twentieth-century facade, and if a season is running, check the current program of performances. The spot ties together the history of Spanish theatre with the living cultural life of present-day Madrid.

When is the best time to visit?

The plaque can be viewed year-round since it is mounted on the outside wall of the building. If you also want to see the theatre's interior or catch a performance, it's worth checking the Centro Dramático Nacional's schedule in advance — Madrid's theatre season typically runs from autumn through spring, with a summer break.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the plaque located? On the facade of the theatre building on Calle Tamayo y Baus in Madrid's Justicia district.

Who was María Guerrero? A leading Spanish actress and theatre impresario who lived from 1867 to 1928 and helped shape modern Spanish theatre.

Why does the theatre bear her name? Because she lived there from 1918 until her death, and in 1931 the building was renamed from Teatro de la Princesa to Teatro María Guerrero in her honor.

Is there an entrance fee to see the plaque? No, the plaque is on the exterior of the building and can be viewed free of charge at any time.