A cultural journey in the heart of the city
The Community of Madrid has launched an ambitious initiative that promises to revolutionise the daily experience of millions of users of the Madrid Metro. With the new Culture Plan in Metro 2026-2028, the underground transport network will become a space where culture and art intertwine with daily routines, offering travellers a variety of artistic activities.
The main goal of the plan is not only to support local artists but also to recover and disseminate the rich cultural heritage of the region. During its presentation at the iconic Chamartín station, councillors Jorge Rodrigo, responsible for Housing, Transport and Infrastructure, and Mariano de Paco, in charge of Culture, Tourism and Sport, emphasised that this is a unique opportunity for citizens to actively engage with the arts.
Starting next year, metro users will be able to enjoy various cultural activities for free. From film screenings to live musical performances, every corner of the subway will be a focal point for art. Mariano de Paco highlighted that “the capacity will be legally permitted”, thus ensuring a safe experience for all.
Among the most notable proposals is participation in Short Film Week, where one of the metro spaces will be transformed into a room dedicated to selected shorts. Additionally, on the occasion of International Flamenco Day on November 16, a station will temporarily become a genuine flamenco tablao.
There will also be space for major productions; support will be given to young musicians through the Suena Madrid competition, designed to discover new talents. The annual programme will include performances by the Orchestra and Choir of the Community of Madrid, as well as performances by the Regional Spanish Ballet.
Aside from the musical and theatrical focus, the plan also aims to promote reading through initiatives like Books on the Street. This effort to integrate literature with public transport reflects a commitment to culturally enrich the entire community.
Taking advantage of its unique infrastructure, the Metro will also promote its own museums. In 2025, over 125,000 people visited these spaces dedicated to preserving Madrid's railway history. With this new cultural plan, it is expected that even more citizens will discover the hidden gems beneath their feet while travelling through the city.
You may also like
