
Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, offers a blend of tradition and modernity, reflected in its diverse architectural heritage. This rich past is etched into the old façades, expansive public spaces, and historic religious institutions that define much of Madrid’s character today. The city’s continuous architectural renewal, reflected in both respectful restorations and innovative new constructions, highlights Madrid’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing modernity.
In the 20th century, Madrid embraced modernity, influenced by movements such as Rationalism, the International Style, and Brutalism. Today, Madrid is a showcase for contemporary design, where contemporary projects by renowned architects coexist with its historical legacy. Structures like the CaixaForum by Herzog & de Meuron and Jean Nouvel’s Reina Sofía Museum exemplify the city’s interest in architectural explorations
Read on to discover Madrid’s Modern and Brutalist landmarks, along 21 contemporary attractions from both local and internationally recognized offices
Related Article
Barcelona City Guide: 23 Places to See in Gaudi’s BirthplaceBrutalist and Modernist Icons
Church of Santa Ana y la Esperanza / Miguel Fisac Serna

Torre Blancas / Francisco Javier Sáenz de Oiza (Interventions by STUDIO.NOJU)

Instituto del Patrimonio Cultural de España / Fernando Higueras Díaz and Antonio Miró Valverde

Edificio Princesa / Fernando Higueras Díaz, Antonio Miró Valverde and Carlos García Rodríguez

Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Filipinas / Cecilio Sanchez-Robles Tarín.

The Zarzuela Hippodrome / Carlos Arniches, Martín Domínguez and Eduardo Torroja

Contemporary Attractions
Caixa Forum / Herzog & de Meuron

Reggio School / Andrés Jaque / Office for Political Innovation

Puerta de Europa / Philip Johnson + John Burgee

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía / Jean Nouvel, Vidal Y Asociados Arquitectos

Madrid-Barajas Airport Terminal 4 / Estudio Lamela & Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners

Norman Foster Foundation's Pavilion / Norman Foster, David Delgado, Raúl Gómez and Jorge López

Barceló Market, Library and Sports Hall / Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Conversion / L35 Architects, GMP and Ribas & Ribas.

BBVA Headquarters / Herzog & de Meuron

Mirador Housing Project / MVRDV, Blanca Lleo Asociados

Refurbishment and Extension of the Buenavista Cultural Center / Padilla Nicás Arquitectos

Escuelas Pias de San Anton (COAM) / Estudio Gonzalo Moure

Arganzuela Footbridge / Dominique Perrault Architecture

Renovation of the Operations Court in CENTROCENTRO / Héctor Fernández Elorza

Medialab-Prado / Langarita Navarro Arquitectos

ABC Museum, Illustration and Design Center / Aranguren & Gallegos Architects

Parish Church of Santa Monica / Vicens + Ramos

Ombú Office Building / Foster + Partners

Atocha Train Station Extension / Rafael Moneo

Hotel Silken Puerta América / Jean Nouvel (Interiors by John Pawson, Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster, David Chipperfield, Arata Isozaki, Plasma Studio, Victorio & Lucchino, Marc Newson, Ron Arad, Kathryn Findlay, Richard Gluckman, Javier Mariscal, Jean Nouvel)

Torre Caja Repsol Tower / Foster & Partners

You can visit our list of City Guides here.