CaixaForum, Madrid

Upon arriving at the CaixaForum, you will be immediately struck by two aspects of this extraordinary building. The first thing to draw your eye is the adjacent vertical garden, bursting with vibrant foliage. The second feature will leave you awe-struck: the building itself appears to defy gravity as it seemingly levitates above the ground!

When the Caixa Foundation acquired the abandoned power station, their vision was to create a modern multicultural center. However, due to its classification as a historical monument, they were unable to demolish the structure. Instead, they enlisted the expertise of Swiss architects Herzog and de Meuron, who designed this truly remarkable building in 2007. The architects integrated the ancient power station with new top floors made of "rusted" steel. To achieve the illusion of levitation, they removed the deteriorating base, creating a covered plaza that serves as the entrance to the Forum.

Inside, a central staircase guides visitors through the 2000 square meters of exhibition rooms, spanning from the underground levels to the top floor. Here, you'll discover a highly recommended café and restaurant, providing a perfect spot to relax and rejuvenate. The underground levels house an auditorium and a theater, while other floors are home to a library, a bookstore, exhibition rooms showcasing both temporary and permanent displays of modern art and photography, conference rooms, and concert venues.

Designed by renowned French botanist Patrick Blanc, who pioneered the concept of vertical gardens, the 24-meter (79-foot) high vertical garden wall in the plaza serves as a striking contrast to the building's brick and steel façade. Lush with 250 species of soil-less plants, this living mural is a must-see and an ideal backdrop for a memorable selfie.

Why You Should Visit:
Access to high-quality exhibitions at an affordable price.
The upper floor features a cozy and inviting coffee shop, perfect for taking a break and resting your legs.
They also have an exquisite gift-shop, where you can find unique designs, although they may come with a higher price tag.

Tip:
As the exhibits rotate on a regular basis, it's advisable to check the website before planning your visit to ensure you're interested in the current displays. While you're at it, be sure to visit the nearby La Fábrica Galería, an open space dedicated to culture. It houses an art gallery showcasing contemporary art, a photography bookshop, and a café.