Cines Callao commemorates its centenary with a free summer cinema in Callao Square. On July 22, they will screen 'Back to the Future' and distribute popcorn and water to attendees.
Cines Callao, the iconic temple of the seventh art in the heart of Madrid, is preparing to blow out the candles on its centenary in style. And they will do so in the best way they know: literally opening their doors to the street, with a free outdoor screening in the very square that bears their name.
The event will take place on July 22, when Callao Square will transform into an improvised summer cinema. The chosen film could not be more fitting: Back to the Future, a classic from the eighties that speaks of time travel, just to celebrate a century of stories. And, to top it off, attendees will receive free popcorn and water, courtesy of the house.
Limited Seating and No Reservations
However, anyone wanting to enjoy the experience will have to rise early —or rather, not arrive late—. The seating has been set at 164 seats installed in front of the large outdoor screen of the building, and entry will be on a strictly first-come, first-served basis, with no possibility of prior reservation. The venue doors will open at 21:00 hours, and the screening will start half an hour later, as the sun begins to set.
This initiative is part of the events celebrating the 100th anniversary of Cines Callao, which opened in 1926. Since then, this space has witnessed the evolution of cinema in Spain, from silent films to digital, and has hosted legendary premieres. Now, they want to give back to the Madrilenians who have kept them alive for a century.
A Century of History on Gran Vía
Cines Callao is not just a screening room; it is a symbol of Madrid's culture. Located at number 3 in Callao Square, right in the heart of Gran Vía, it has been the stage for premieres of films that have marked generations and events that have transcended the big screen. Its façade, with its characteristic neon, is one of the most photographed spots in the capital.
For the occasion, Callao Square will change its usual frenetic pace for a more relaxed, almost neighbourhood atmosphere. Locals and tourists will share space under the Madrid sky, reminding us that cinema can also be a community experience, outdoors and without hurry. Who knows if a spontaneous person will shout “Doc, to the future!” when the DeLorean appears on screen.
The choice of Back to the Future is not accidental: the film, released in 1985, also turns 41 years old in 2026, and its message about the value of the past and the future fits perfectly with a centenary. Moreover, it is a film that appeals to audiences of all ages, from those who saw it at the time to those discovering it now on platforms.
The organisers recommend arriving early to avoid missing out on a seat. Callao Square is accessible by metro (lines 3 and 5, Callao station) and by bus (lines 1, 2, 3, 46, 74, 146, 147, 148, and 150). It is also within walking distance from Sol or Gran Vía, which are just a step away.
And if the weather is good —which in July in Madrid is usually warm—, the evening promises to be unforgettable. Popcorn, water, and free cinema in one of the city's most iconic settings: can you ask for more to celebrate a century of stories?
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