Círculo de Bellas Artes, Matadero Madrid, Reina Sofía, CentroCentro, and Infinito Delicias offer free, air-conditioned spaces to escape the heat without spending money.
The heatwave that has brought temperatures close to 40 degrees in Madrid has led many residents to seek places to take refuge without having to spend money in shopping centres or swimming pools. The City Council of Madrid and other institutions have launched five free climate shelters that are now operational, providing shaded or air-conditioned spaces to work, read, or simply relax.
Círculo de Bellas Artes is repeating its Climate Shelter this year in the Ballroom, a space with a capacity for 750 people. Several areas have been set up there: one for working with tables, sockets, and WiFi; another more informal area with board games and reading; and a quiet corner for those who just want to sit down. Additionally, it includes a plant nursery for those going on holiday and who have no one to leave them with.
Matadero Madrid, for its part, has opened 'A Living Room for the City', a freely accessible space from Tuesday to Sunday, from 12:00 to 21:00. There is no fixed activity: each person can go to work, read, or simply be. Throughout the summer, concerts and other activities are scheduled, although many users just seek a cool place to rest in the heat.
The Reina Sofía Museum is one of the most well-known and visited. Access to the garden and the cloister of the Sabatini building is free, with sofa areas to sit. It opens from Monday to Saturday until 21:00 and on Sundays until 14:30. It is a central and easy-to-use option, ideal for a break during the day.
CentroCentro, in the Cibeles Palace, focuses on tranquility with its Cultural Plant Space. It opens from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 20:00, and offers shade, vegetation, and seating. As it is not as crowded as other central spots, it is a good place to disconnect without hurry. Occasionally, there are activities, but the main focus is on relaxation.
Finally, Infinito Delicias, in the Delicias neighbourhood, completes the list of shelters. Although less known, it offers a free, air-conditioned space for those looking to escape the heat in the southern part of the capital.
These five spaces are not new, but this summer they have gained prominence due to the high temperatures. Most open for extended hours and do not require any consumption. For Madrid residents who do not have air conditioning at home or who spend the day outdoors, they have become a real alternative to cope with the toughest days of summer.
Forecasts indicate that temperatures will begin to drop from this Friday, but summer is not over yet. Therefore, the City Council reminds that these shelters will remain open throughout the summer season and encourages citizens to check the hours and conditions on each centre's website before visiting.
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