La Arqueria de Nuevos Ministerios

Arquería de Nuevos Ministerios is a historic arcaded hall in Madrid, built into the lower level of the Nuevos Ministerios complex on Paseo de la Castellana. Today it serves as an exhibition space dedicated to architecture, and its raw concrete structure is itself a draw for anyone curious about Spanish modernist engineering.

Where did this structure come from?

The Nuevos Ministerios complex was designed by architect Secundino Zuazo Ugalde together with engineer Eduardo Torroja in the late 1920s and early 1930s, with construction beginning in 1933. Zuazo conceived the arcade as a kind of mediating filter between the surrounding urban space and the gardens of the new ministerial complex, which was built to house the ministries of the Interior, Public Works, and Agriculture. The distinctive arches and the vaulted tunnels running underneath were engineered by Torroja, known for his bold reinforced-concrete designs, and both elements were built in parallel.

How did the arcade's use change over time?

For decades after the complex was completed, the underground arcade remained a purely architectural feature with no clear public function. That changed in 1983, when the then Ministry of Public Works converted the space into an exhibition hall devoted exclusively to Spanish architecture. The Sala de La Arquería opened in October 1983 with the exhibition "Nordic Classicism, 1910-1930," giving the site an identity as a cultural venue tied to the art of building.

What is the Arquería today?

Between 2019 and 2023, the space underwent a thorough renovation carried out by the Frade Arquitectos studio. Once the work was finished, the venue reopened on 18 December 2023 as the home of the Casa de la Arquitectura, a new state-run institution intended to become a national and international reference point for architecture, urban planning, and landscape design in Spain. Covering roughly 2,400 square meters, the space now operates under the ENAIRE Foundation and regularly hosts themed exhibitions, educational programs, and industry gatherings.

How do you get to the Arquería and when is it open?

The venue is located at Paseo de la Castellana 67, right next to the Nuevos Ministerios metro station, making it easy to reach from central Madrid. The exhibition hall is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm, and Sundays from 11 am to 2 pm. Admission to both permanent and temporary exhibitions is generally free, making it an appealing cultural stop close to the city's business district.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Arquería de Nuevos Ministerios? It is a former underground arcaded hall that is part of the Nuevos Ministerios complex, converted into an exhibition space dedicated to architecture and, since 2023, serving as the Casa de la Arquitectura.

Who designed the building? The complex was designed by architect Secundino Zuazo Ugalde and engineer Eduardo Torroja in the late 1920s and early 1930s, with construction starting in 1933.

How do you get to the Arquería? It sits at Paseo de la Castellana 67, right beside the Nuevos Ministerios metro station, so it's just a short ride from central Madrid.

Is admission free? Exhibitions at the Arquería are generally free to visit, and the hall is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm and Sundays from 11 am to 2 pm.