What´s On Autumn Round Up
Melissa Dura takes a look at what we can enjoy this autumn in Madrid
Escher Exhibition
Gavira Palace, 9 Calle Arenal
Until 24 September
Having been extended to allow for more visits, this highly popular exhibition, which has already fascinated over a hundred thousand people since opening its doors this February, finally comes to a close on the 24th September. Recalling the work of the Dutch surrealist, Maurits Cornelus Escher, it has proved itself an international hit, having also drawn huge numbers in several major Italian cities.
Held in the recently re-opened Gavira Palace, itself a work of architectural beauty, it explores the output of one of 20th century’s most fascinating figures in art and mathematics and includes various interactive installations and other educational activities, as well as displaying his major works. Don’t miss your last chance to see this absorbing exhibition in its stunning surroundings.
Pitingo – Soul Bulería and More
Teatro de la Luz Philips
Until 17 September
Pitingo, the heartbreaking voice from Huelva who forged his international career in Madrid more than a decade ago, returns to showcase his flamenco-soul style in his latest production, Soul Bulería and More.
Tickets are still on sale for this show, which runs for another few days at the Teatro de la Luz Philips on Gran Vía. In addition to the man himself, a carefully selected range of star performers from the world of pop, flamenco and gospel are accompanying him and contributing to his trademark American style.
Tickets start from €20, with a limited offer of a further 30% off on patio seating between 15th and 17th September. See their website for details.
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Madrid (September Edition)
Feria de Madrid
15 – 19th September
Get ahead of the pack and discover the fashion trends for Spring-Summer 2018 during the second of Madrid’s annual fashion weeks. This twice-yearly event showcases the latest creations by both established and hot new names in fashion from around the world. The runway events hosted at Feria de Madrid will also present collections by numerous big fashion names from Spain, including Ulises Mérida and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, amongst many others. Consult the IFEMA website for more details.
Atlético de Madrid v. Chelsea F.C
27 September
Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, Avenidade Luis Aragonés
Watch Atlético Madrid take on current Premier League Champions, Chelsea FC, at their new home of the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, in Chelsea’s first visit to the club since 2014.
Widely seen as one of Atlético’s greatest rivals, Chelsea FC also boasts a number of popular names in Spanish football, including former Real Madrid forwarder, Álvaro Morata and the mid-fielder, Cesc Fàbregas, not to mention former Atlético favourites in the striker, Diego Costa, and goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois.
The match promises to be a nailbiting clash as both teams fight to maintain the top position in the Champions League group classification.
Architecture Week 2017
29 Sep – 8 Oct
In another week dedicated to design, this series of tours, exhibitions and talks explores the world of architecture and urban development, with the goal of raising awareness of its value to society.
Run by the COAM (College of Architects Madrid), via the COAM Architecture Foundation in conjunction with Madrid City Council and the Community of Madrid, this annual festival also aims to encourage greater international collaboration by inviting a different city each year. This year, the invited city is Paris, and with the involvement of the French Embassy in Madrid, the French Institute and the Alliance Française, the event will be analysing urban development and heritage protection using examples from both Paris and Madrid.
Last year, over 200, 000 people participated in events related to Architecture Week, which centred around the headquarters of the COAM on Calle de Hortaleza, but also took place in various buildings and universities around the city. All visits are free after registration, which can be done from the 20th September onwards, on the dedicated page of the Visit Madrid website.
Apertura – Madrid Gallery Weekend
14 – 16 September
This weekend, Madrid opens itself up to become a capital of Modern Art in the 8th ‘Apertura’ gallery weekend, in which galleries and museums collaborate to open exhibitions at the same time, with the aim of bringing contemporary art closer to the general public and spreading the reputation of Madrid’s art scene.
It is organised by the 46 galleries across Madrid, who make up the association ‘Arte_Madrid’, and regularly taking part in well-known and prestigious international fairs, such as Art Basel, Frieze and more. The event attracts collectors, experts and curators from around the world.
More detailed information is available on the Arte_Madrid website.
Film Concert for Families
Teatro Real
On 23rd September, the Teatro Real will be presenting an orchestral concert of film scores, designed to entertain the whole family. The programme will include classic soundtracks from well-known films, such as Beauty and the Beast, Harry Potter, Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Tickets start from €15 and are on sale via the Teatro Real website.
Fiesta Corral Cervantes
Cuesta Moyano Book Market
Until 24th September
Currently running, this festival aims to celebrate the ‘Golden Age’ of Spanish literature and art, through a range of events and activities being held along the well-known book market that backs onto Retiro Park.
In addition to plays and music, running from morning until night, families with children will also be able to enjoy puppet shows on Saturday and Sunday mornings. There are also a variety of craft and food stalls, wine and juice bars, and cocktails and ice creams, as well as a Venetian carousel marking the entrance to the fair.
Oktoberfest – Beer Festival 2017
Always somewhat early in Madrid, Oktoberfest 2017 is coming to town from 21st September until 1st October, this time at the new venue of the Vistalegre Arena in the Carabanchel neighbourhood.
The event, as usual, will include Bavarian speciality food and beer, served up by waiters and waitresses in traditional dress, all accompanied by live music. Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier will be servd, one of only six Bavarian beers certified for sale at Oktoberfest events. Entrance to the festival is free.
World Press Photo 2017
29 Sep – 1 Nov
On an annual basis, the Official Association of Architects of Madrid undertakes the display of winning images from the World Press Photo exhibition.
This year’s exhibition of images from 2016 shows143 photographs selected from the 80,404 photos submitted by press photographers from all over the world.
The winning photo this year is the stunning An Assassination in Turkey by the Turkish photojournalist, Burhan Ozbilici on behalf of the Associate Press agency, capturing the moment immediately after a 22-year-old off duty policeman assassinates the Russian ambassador at an art exhibition in Turkey.
Entrance fees range from €3 on Mondays to €7 for a ‘fotofan’ ticket, which allows you to visit on two separate occasions. The ‘Colegio Oficial de Arquitectos’ can be found at 63 Calle Hortaleza.