The emblematic neo-Mudéjar building, home to Casa Árabe, will return to municipal control after the Community of Madrid left the consortium. Almeida promises a comprehensive restoration.
Escuelas Aguirre, a prominent example of neo-Mudéjar architecture in Madrid, will return to the City Council after nearly two decades as the headquarters of Casa Árabe. Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida announced this decision during an official event, marking the end of a period characterised by controversy and mismanagement. The recovery of the property comes after the Community of Madrid announced its exit from the Casa Árabe consortium, allowing the City Council to exercise its right to reclaim the building according to the transfer decree signed in 2008. Almeida has set a deadline of 1 September for the property to be vacated and has promised to initiate urgent works for its rehabilitation.
The critical situation facing Casa Árabe was one of the determining factors for this decision. Management under Irene Lozano had led the institution into a financial crisis, with ordinary expenses exceeding income and deficit budgets approved for 2023 and 2024. This forced the organisation to use its accumulated savings, raising concerns among local authorities.
Following the report from the Court of Auditors on the poor management, the regional Government decided to leave the consortium, which enabled the City Council to regain control of the building without the need for compensation. Almeida did not hold back in his criticism of Lozano, stating that “Casa Árabe became a chiringuito” and highlighting the structural problems that the building presents due to years of neglect.
The mayor emphasised: “We will carry out the necessary works to return this emblematic building to the people of Madrid.” Although its future use has not yet been defined, Almeida hinted that it could be related to cultural activities open to the public.
Escuelas Aguirre was inaugurated in 1886, designed by architect Emilio Rodríguez Ayuso. Last February, it was declared a Cultural Heritage Asset due to its historical value within the Paisaje de la Luz, recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This recognition further underscores the importance of the building in the Madrid cultural context.
Despite the positive announcement regarding its recovery, it remains to be seen how the works will develop and what types of activities will take place in this historic space. The City Council has expressed its intention to collaborate with Casa Árabe to facilitate a new location if it wishes to continue its cultural activities.
As this process progresses, citizens can expect more information on how they will be able to enjoy the emblematic building again and participate in future scheduled cultural activities.
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