Commemorative plaque to the Lyceum Club Femenino, Madrid

The commemorative plaque to the Lyceum Club Femenino sits on the facade of the historic Casa de las Siete Chimeneas in Madrid, on Plaza del Rey at the corner with Calle de las Infantas — right in the city centre, a short walk from Gran Vía.

What does the plaque commemorate?

The inscription honours the Lyceum Club Femenino, one of the earliest and most influential women's associations in Spain, which had its headquarters in this very building from 1926 to 1939. The club was founded under the leadership of María de Maeztu, its first president, who also directed the Residencia de Señoritas, a women's academic residence modelled on Madrid's better-known Residencia de Estudiantes. The Lyceum functioned as a meeting point for women active in science, the arts and politics, hosting lectures, exhibitions and debates at a time when women's access to public life in Spain was severely restricted.

Notable members included Victoria Kent, the first woman admitted to practise law in Madrid (1924), Clara Campoamor, and the writer María Teresa León — figures closely tied to the so-called Generation of 27, one of the richest periods in twentieth-century Spanish culture. The club's activity came to an end with the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1939.

When and why was the plaque installed?

The plaque was unveiled on 8 March 2017, International Women's Day, to mark the 90th anniversary of the Lyceum Club Femenino's founding. The ceremony was attended by then-mayor of Madrid Manuela Carmena, Spain's Minister of Education, Culture and Sport Íñigo Méndez de Vigo, and the city's culture and sports delegate Celia Mayer. The initiative formed part of Madrid's "Plan Memoria de Madrid", a municipal programme aimed at restoring public recognition to women whose contributions to science, art and politics had long been overlooked.

The building itself, Casa de las Siete Chimeneas ("House of the Seven Chimneys"), now belongs to Spain's Ministry of Culture and stands out as one of the notable 16th-century houses in this part of Madrid.

How do you get there?

Plaza del Rey lies right in central Madrid, between Gran Vía and Paseo del Prado. The easiest way to reach it is by metro to Banco de España (line 2) or Gran Vía (lines 1 and 5), followed by a short walk of a few minutes. The location pairs naturally with a stroll through the surrounding streets — Calle de las Infantas and Plaza del Rey sit close to the Chueca district and the centre's main shopping avenues.

What else is nearby?

The plaque itself is a modest, discreet architectural detail, best visited as part of a broader walk through central Madrid rather than as a standalone attraction. Combine it with a visit to Chueca, Gran Vía, or the nearby museums. It appeals especially to travellers interested in Spain's social history and the story of women's emancipation.

When's the best time to visit?

The plaque is visible year-round, at any time of day, since it sits on the building's exterior facade. Daytime visits work best, when natural light makes the inscription easy to read and the facade easy to photograph.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does the plaque on Plaza del Rey commemorate? It commemorates the headquarters of the Lyceum Club Femenino, a women's association that operated in this building from 1926 to 1939, and the role its members played in advancing women's civil rights in Spain.

When was the plaque unveiled? On 8 March 2017, International Women's Day, to mark the club's 90th anniversary.

Can you visit the inside of the building? The building, known as Casa de las Siete Chimeneas, belongs to Spain's Ministry of Culture and serves administrative functions — it is not a museum open to the general public.

How do you get there by public transport? The nearest metro stations are Banco de España (line 2) and Gran Vía (lines 1 and 5), both just a few minutes' walk from Plaza del Rey.