Culture continuously evolves—especially in the context of contemporary art. Over ten years ago, graffiti and muralism surged into the mainstream cultural spotlight. That’s exactly how Cooltourspain started the Madrid art galleries tour more than six years ago.
Since our project was founded on urban art, Cooltourspain actively partners with local talent. This partnership fosters the growth of a grassroots creative industry—benefiting artists, galleries, and our project.
Madrid’s cultural landscape has gradually extended into new neighborhoods and districts. In this article, we also spotlight the city’s latest hubs for authentic art.
Exploring art galleries in Madrid’s Tetuán district
Tetuán has faced a negative reputation for years. However, similarly to what happened in Lavapiés and Malasaña, the neighborhood is transforming. Today, it stands as one of the most captivating areas for a Madrid art galleries tour.
Tetuán may be the most economically unequal district in Madrid. Its working-class neighborhoods are slowly overcoming years of neglect and local government apathy.
Amidst Azca’s towering skyscrapers and Madrid zona norte, small homes still remain—echoes of the area’s late XIX century origins. This blend of contrasts has ignited a wave of raw, street-level artistic expression.
Estudio Impropio
Artists from around the world have learned to transform constraints into advantages. The do-it-yourself approach extends far beyond mere art creation. Many of these artists now serve as their own agents, curators, and even gallery owners. During our Madrid art galleries tour in Tetuán, we explore probably the best example of this: Estudio Impropio.
Local artists, ranging from long-standing ones to fresh faces, established Estudio Impropio. Their diverse backgrounds, styles, and disciplines contribute to a space that is both lively and unique. Impropio is not a conventional gallery; it operates as a working studio where this eclectic group of artists practices their craft.
Thanks to our strong connection with one of its founders, Cooltourspain offers you the opportunity to visit them during this art route in Madrid. You’ll be able to witness their artistic process, engage in conversation with the artists, and gain a deeper understanding of their creative environment.
A Madrid art galleries tour that also dives deep into the street art scene
At its essence, Cooltourspain is rooted in the streets—and in graffiti. Our Madrid art galleries tour links visitors with urban art across various city neighborhoods.
Tetuán’s streets overflow with vibrancy and personality—each corner uncovers something different. From graffiti tags and smaller illegal works to large murals, northern Madrid itself acts as an open-air gallery. It’s an ideal addition to our planned visits.
Even the journeys to and from each gallery enhance the experience. The outdoor artworks frequently reflect or contrast with those showcased indoors. These connections deepen your appreciation of both art forms.
We support Madrid’s local art scene and creative network
As previously stated, one of Cooltourspain’s primary objectives is to build up a local creative network. One of our team members refers to it as a “street-level industry.” That’s how the Madrid art galleries tour was born.
Without urban artists, we wouldn’t have anything to explain during our contemporary art galleries tours. This is why we also advocate for their work within gallery settings. Through a circular economy model, fostering mutual growth and enhancement among participants.
The projects we undertake are primarily managed by local talent. Some of these artists even conduct the private art tours and facilitate the workshops included in the Madrid art galleries tour.
Which exhibition spaces do we suggest in Carabanchel and Usera?
For ages, it was believed that Madrid’s limit was at the Manzanares River. This idea is far from the current reality. As a matter of fact, our Madrid art galleries tour will take you across the river to discover new and emerging talent.
Carabanchel and Usera are among the city’s rapidly evolving neighborhoods. Artists are now choosing these areas not just as residences but also as locations for studios and galleries.
Over the last ten years, several old workshops, warehouses, and small factories have closed. Artists have repurposed these locations into studios, working either individually or collaboratively.
Yet this trend contributes to the gentrification of these areas, it brings both advantages and disadvantages. For Cooltourspain, broadening Madrid’s art scene and providing a platform for emerging talent is undoubtedly worthwhile.
95 Art Gallery
Our Madrid art galleries tour may also include a stop at 95 Art Gallery—one of the most renowned street art gallery in the Spanish capital city. Every graffiti and street art enthusiast should consider this visit as an essential one, especially those curious about the street art vs fine art debate. The gallery was established few years ago by local icon Sfhir, a trailblazer in Madrid’s street art scene since 1995.
His well-known “Wanted for illegal art since 1995” poster has become an iconic visual element in the city. His expertise and artistic vision have shaped what is currently Madrid’s premier urban art gallery.
Guests enter through a tunnel resembling an underground subway station, stepping into a gritty, immersive environment designed to resemble a defaced palace. The gallery features prominent local artists, emerging talents from Madrid, and renowned international figures.
What is the cost of a Madrid art galleries tour?
Our Madrid art galleries tour is a private and entirely tailored experience. We customize each visit according to ongoing exhibitions or the specific interests of the client. Flexibility is a fundamental aspect of the Cooltourspain experience.
The starting price is €25 per person, requiring a minimum of participants. For smaller groups, we modify the price to accommodate the basic expenses of a private guide. All galleries are conveniently located within walking/ taxi distance of each other in the same district.
We also provide the option of private transportation for those interested in visiting contemporary art galleries across different districts. For more information you can contact our office through the following form:
VETA Gallery
Another significant creative venue featured in our Madrid art galleries tour is VETA. This former warehouse, now spanning over 1,200 square meters, showcases a premier contemporary art collection.
Inaugurated by Fer Francés, VETA is notable for its curation. The gallery’s team has curated a distinctive collection that includes artists from around the globe across various generations. Depending on the current exhibition, paintings vary. Hoever, works by Abraham Lacalle could have been found alongside those of Erik Parker and rising Nigerian talent Atanda Quadri Adebayo.
Despite its opening in 2021, VETA has experienced rapid growth. The space is currently being revamped by the award-winning RCR architectural firm, winners of the esteemed Pritzker Prize. Its future appears exceptionally bright.
Cooltourspain’s perspective on the Madrid art galleries tour
Cooltourspain continues to evolve with Madrid’s dynamic art landscape. Our strong connections with both emerging and established local artists present remarkable opportunities. The expansion of our Madrid art galleries tour into new neighborhoods exemplifies this.
If you have a passion for contemporary pieces, street pop art or urban art, these two recently developed cultural routes in Madrid are essential. The variety in themes and execution makes the visit both enlightening and inspiring.
Interested in joining one (or both) of our tours? Reach out to our office to design a personalized experience just for you and your group.
📧 Email: info@cooltourspain.com
📞 Phone: +34 638 399 784
Feel free to ask if you need a condensed version for a brochure or social media!
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