Guiding principles
The Condeduque Centre for Contemporary Culture is intended as a space where contemporary culture can be experienced through a varied and innovative programme. A place full of vitality, a public centre for the dissemination and exchange of artistic and cultural practices, open to all the citizens of Madrid. Conceived as a centre for contemporary culture, Condeduque is designed to promote the creation and dissemination of and research into the most cutting-edge artistic and cultural languages, through an accessible, high-quality programme with a forward-looking and constant vision and a firm commitment to serving the public and the city of Madrid. With its courtyards, auditorium, theatre, conference room, screening rooms, residency spaces and exhibition hall, it is a place that is simply teeming with life. In short, culture in a public space to share with the community and help each other understand a complex world in constant flux.
History
Philip V, the first King of Spain from the House of Bourbon began construction at the end of 1717. The building was to be the barracks of the Royal Guard Corps, an elite military body that protected the King and was well known, not only for their prestige but also for their extravagant uniforms.
The building is considered to be the last great example of Madrilenian architecture pre-introduction of the Italian style that was first seen in the new Royal Palace (1738-1755).
In 1983 Condeduque began its life as a cultural centre funded by Madrid city council. In the eighties, it pioneered the diffusion of contemporary cultural events and continued through the nineties and into the new millennium with its great variety, and always indisputable quality, of events.
Following a master plan that was formalised in 2005, a complete refurbishment of the building took place in 2011, marking a new era for Condeduque.
Building and facilities
Condeduque houses a performance space that is characterised by its versatility and technical equipment, making it ideal for both theatre and dance performances. It offers a perfect area for creativity from an open perspective to all performance disciplines. It is especially apt for the world of dance, offering a great opportunity for Madrid’s dance companies to carry on developing the city’s dance scene.
The Auditorium of the Condeduque Centre for Contemporary Culture is a modern and versatile space devoted to music, clearly determined to become a living space and a musical reference for the city.
The Events Room is characterised by its versatility and is located above the main foyer, from which it has direct access. It can hold 270 people and functions in support of the centre's entire programme: conferences, cinema, seminars, workshops, meetings, presentations and more.
Condeduque has also two large rehearsal rooms, one for theatre rehearsal and one for dance. Both spaces are at the service of the Madrilenian creative scene, to promote and support productions and explorations of new performances, which will enrich what the city has to offer.
