In this edition of the “Sacred Houses Series,” we pay homage to the Cineteca Matadero in Madrid, Spain, as we continue to honor notable movie theaters worldwide.
Cineteca Matadero Madrid is a cinéma located within the Matadero Madrid cultural complex in the Arganzuela district of Madrid, Spain. The cinéma is renowned for its dedication to documentary and independent films, offering a unique cinematic experience within a historically rich. It has a fascinating history as it was initially the Municipal Slaughterhouse and Cattle Market between 1911 and 1925. Designed by architect Luis Bellido, the site featured a series of pavilions characterized by functional design and Neo-Mudéjar architectural elements. After its closure as a slaughterhouse in 1996, the Madrid City Council initiated a transformation to repurpose the area into a contemporary arts center.
Cineteca was established within the former slaughterhouse premises as part of this cultural revitalization. The cinéma showcases documentary films, Art House Cinéma, and Independent films and has become the permanent venue for the Documenta Madrid film festival. It is a hub for experimental cinéma, offering a platform for avant-garde filmmakers.
In March 2025, Cineteca Matadero Madrid garnered international acclaim by being ranked as the fourth most beautiful cinéma globally by ‘Time Out’ magazine. This accolade highlights its aesthetic appeal and significance in the cinematic community. Visit them HERE.
If you know of a theater that deserves recognition in our “Sacred Houses” series, please contact us and provide details about its location, name, and significance to you or your community. We are passionate about supporting local theaters and believe they should be celebrated alongside the more well-known historic venues.
The Other Cinema 
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