Casa de las Artes Madrid, Madrid, Spain
A Cultural Sanctuary Inspired by the Seven Fine Arts
Why DNA Hotels Loves It
● Four historic buildings thoughtfully transformed into a boutique hotel celebrating Madrid’s artistic and literary heritage.
● Elegant interiors by ASAH Studio that balance restored historic architecture with refined contemporary design.
● A genuine cultural destination where literature, cinema, music, architecture, and gastronomy become part of the guest experience.
A New Chapter in the Literary Quarter
Few neighbourhoods are as deeply connected to Spain’s cultural history as Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras. Surrounded by the streets once walked by Cervantes and Lope de Vega, Casa de las Artes occupies four interconnected heritage buildings, centred around the former headquarters of the General Association of Railway Workers, an elegant 1913 landmark designed by Ricardo García Guereta and José María Otamendi. Today, the building begins a new life. One devoted entirely to creativity.
Design Rooted in Context
Father-and-daughter duo Álvaro and Adriana Sans of ASAH Studio approached the restoration with remarkable sensitivity. Original mouldings, coffered ceilings, stained-glass windows, and historic architectural details remain proudly visible, complemented by a rich palette of terracotta, walnut, brass, velvet, and black Marquina marble. Carefully selected furniture from Spanish and international makers, including Andreu World, Santa & Cole, Pedrali, Sancal, and Kettal, creates interiors that feel timeless rather than fashionable. Throughout the hotel, original artworks, Salvador Dalí’s Don Quixote lithographs, sculptures by Miguel Guía, and portraits of Spain’s literary figures reinforce the building’s cultural identity. Nothing feels decorative. Everything has a reason to be here.
Rooms That Tell Stories
The hotel offers 137 guestrooms spread across its interconnected buildings. Warm oak floors, walnut furniture, mustard-toned upholstery, marble bathrooms, and linen fabrics establish an atmosphere of quiet elegance. Above every bed hangs an original Gustave Doré engraving inspired by Don Quixote, while books dedicated to literature, cinema, music, architecture, and the arts encourage guests to engage with the neighbourhood beyond its streets. The Artist Junior Suites elevate the experience with generous terraces, outdoor bathtubs, and beautifully integrated living spaces. Luxury here is intellectual. As much as it is physical.
Where Culture Comes Alive
Casa de las Artes is designed to be experienced beyond the guestroom. Maché, the hotel’s restaurant, occupies the beautifully restored former theatre hall, where stained-glass windows, original chandeliers, soaring ceilings, and velvet banquettes provide a dramatic backdrop for contemporary Spanish cuisine. Mediterranean classics receive thoughtful reinterpretations, while cocktails inspired by the seven fine arts extend the creative narrative into the evening. Elsewhere, guests discover a private cinema dedicated to filmmaker Pilar Miró, a library filled with literature and art books, and a cultural programme of music, film, dance, and literary events that welcomes both visitors and Madrid locals. The building never stands still. It continues creating.
A Different Way to Experience Madrid
Positioned between the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, Casa de las Artes places guests at the centre of Madrid’s celebrated Art Triangle. Independent bookshops, historic cafés, neighbourhood taverns, galleries, and theatres surround the hotel, making exploration feel entirely natural.
Why It Works
Casa de las Artes succeeds because it doesn’t simply display art—it lives it. Respectful restoration, sophisticated contemporary design, and an ambitious cultural programme transform these historic buildings into something far richer than a boutique hotel. It is a place where Madrid’s artistic legacy continues to evolve, inviting guests to become part of the story rather than simply observe it.
