Art Madrid'26 – OUR AGENDA FOR AUGUST

We share with you our particular selection of exhibitions in Madrid. They are not all of them, but let’s take the lead from here.

 

“Lujo y luto”, by Estefanía Martín Sáenz, at the ABC Museum of Illustration.

Within the program "Connections" started seven years ago by the museum in collaboration with the Santander Foundation, a guest artist is invited to develop a creative project inspired by two works. On this occasion, the chosen pieces were a still life by Juan de Arellano from the Banco Santander collection and a cover of "Blanco y Negro" by Manuel Escudero, belonging to the museum's collection. Starting from these two works, Estefanía Martín has tackled a proposal that plays with the concepts that give the title to the exhibition. Luxury and mourning live together in compositions with oriental reminiscences and works that represent very well her style, with floral motifs, embroidery and fabrics. Until September 30th.

"Victor Vasarely. The birth of Op Art ", at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.

This exhibition suggests a journey through the career of this creator of Hungarian origin that settled in Paris, from his beginnings until the end of his career. A paradigmatic figure when defining this style that, although ephemeral, has enriched the postmodern artistic movements of the first half of the 20th century. Until September 9th. More information here

Victor Vasarely, Amir "(Rima)", 1953, Vasarely Múzeum, Budapest

"Eusebio Sempere" at the Reina Sofia Museum

This retrospective dedicated to Sempere approaches the career of this artist whose work shows connections with kinetic art, a movement in full bloom in Paris in the mid-50s, a time that marked his departure as a recognised artist. From that moment on, Sempere began his international projection, with exhibitions inside and outside the country that consolidate it as a reference creator of national geometric art. Until September 17th.

Eusebio Sempere, “El reloj”, 1966.

"In an instant, Morocco", in the Arab House

Within the program of PhotoEspaña 2018, Casa Árabe organises this exhibition with works by nine Moroccan photographers who portray the daily reality of this country offering a vision of its society, customs and day to day life unknown for many. An invitation to get to know more closely the people of the neighbouring country and get closer to the pulse of its contemporary production. Until September 23rd.

M’hamed Kilito. Destinies, 2017 © M’hamed Kilito

"Views of Rome", by Henryk Dąbrowski and the Lázaro Collection, at the Lázaro Galdiano Museum

This exhibition proposes a dialogue between the works of Henryk Dąbrowski on the city of Rome, a renowned Polish architect, and the pieces that make up the collection Lázaro Galdiano, who was also passionate about this Italian city. The exhibition has been organised in collaboration with the Polish Institute of Culture and the Embassy of Poland and was curated by Carmen Espinosa, chief curator of the museum. Until September 9th.

"Auschwitz. Not a long time ago. Not far away ", Arte Canal Exhibition Center of Madrid.

Although it is hard to face this period of our recent history turned into a tragedy of unimaginable magnitudes, it is necessary to remember not to forget, not to repeat in the future, the mistakes of the past. The exhibition is organised by the State Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau and arrives in Spain in collaboration with the company Musealia. Our country is the first stop of this macro exhibition that will travel to thirteen other European and North American cities. Until October 7th.

Pawel Sawicki © Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum - Musealia

 


Art Madrid presents the second edition of its Patronage Program, an initiative aimed at reinforcing its commitment to contemporary artistic production and the promotion of collecting. The program articulates several lines of support designed to enhance the visibility of participating artists, promote recognition of emerging careers, and consolidate sustainable relationships among artists, galleries, and collectors—thereby strengthening the professional ecosystem surrounding the fair.

This edition is supported by leading institutions, private collections, and companies committed to the development of contemporary art. The involvement of the private sector is essential in consolidating a sustainable model of support for artistic creation, understanding investment in art as a driver of innovation, prestige, and cultural responsibility. The program is further reinforced by the active participation of patrons who, through acquisitions and support of emerging artists, contribute to generating tangible opportunities and strengthening the artistic landscape.


Within this framework, the program includes the One Shot Hotels Revelation Award, a distinction intended to highlight a proposal that, through its singularity and strength, makes a particularly powerful entrance into the contemporary landscape. Through this award, One Shot Hotels, official sponsor of Art Madrid’26, reinforces its commitment to increasing visibility and supporting new voices within the contemporary art scene.


Meanwhile, the Cervezas Alhambra Emerging Artist Award focuses on the projection and consistency of a developing career, recognizing sustained processes and distinctive artistic languages within the most recent generation of creators. Through this initiative, Cervezas Alhambra reaffirms its commitment to new generations and to the ongoing support of contemporary artistic production.

The artists recognized in both awards will be announced shortly.


Acquisition Awards

Four entities — Studiolo Collection, E2IN2 Collection, Devesa Law, and dn2 Collection — reaffirm their commitment to contemporary art through the acquisition of works by artists participating in the fair. Their engagement not only contributes to the dissemination of contemporary art but also supports artists’ professional development and strengthens the collecting ecosystem. These initiatives are essential to ensuring the continuity and long-term projection of artistic careers. Through these Acquisition Awards, the selected works will enter prominent private collections, guaranteeing their preservation, study, and circulation within the art world.


About One Shot Hotels

One Shot Hotels is a collection of 14 boutique hotels located in prime areas of Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, San Sebastián, and Porto. In 2026, the brand will expand to three new destinations: Ibiza, Lisbon, and Bilbao.

Each hotel reflects a commitment to design, creativity, and aesthetics, authentically integrating art and culture throughout its spaces. More than accommodations, the hotels are places with soul—each environment conveys artistic sensibility and attention to detail, offering guests a memorable stay that combines comfort, style, and culture.

Proximity, innovation, and a passion for the arts define the brand’s identity and shape how One Shot Hotels connects people with the creativity of each city in which it operates. The hotel group brings art and culture closer to guests and visitors, fostering authentic connections between its spaces and the creative spirit of each location.


About Cervezas Alhambra

Art Madrid is officially sponsored by Cervezas Alhambra, in line with its longstanding commitment to supporting contemporary artistic creation.

True to its philosophy, the brand promotes initiatives that celebrate unhurried craftsmanship, artisanal dedication, and the beauty found in details—values it has cultivated for over a century since its origins in Granada. Its support of artistic creation reflects a way of living and experiencing through all five senses, inviting audiences to slow down and engage with experiences that go beyond the purely visual.

Its cultural engagement is a natural extension of its brewing philosophy: a process rooted in knowledge, passion, and dedication, resulting in unique, authentic, and memorable creations. In this way, Cervezas Alhambra continues to accompany artists and creators, emphasizing process and reminding us that—just as in art—there is an essential ingredient in its beers: time.


About Colección Studiolo

Colección Studiolo, founded by Candela Álvarez Soldevilla, is a private initiative dedicated to the acquisition and promotion of modern and contemporary art. Inspired by the concept of the studiolo as a space for contemplation and thought, the collection brings together works across diverse artistic languages, with particular attention to 20th-century avant-gardes and contemporary artists. It understands collecting as a long-term commitment and sustained support for artistic practice.


About E2IN2 Collection

E2IN2 is an entity engaged in projects that generate significant economic and social value. The organization supports artistic talent and is currently seeking collaborators with whom to exhibit works from its art collection.


About Devesa Law

Devesa is a national law firm specialized in business law. Its mission is to provide value to companies, investors, and institutions operating in Spain through outstanding legal and tax services. Founded in 2007, the firm currently maintains offices in Madrid, Alicante, and Valencia, from which it serves clients nationwide.


About dn2 Collection

Colección dn2, based in Gran Canaria, is a private initiative dedicated to the acquisition and promotion of national and international contemporary art. Since its inception, it has developed a continuously growing collection characterized by diversity of artistic languages and a strong commitment to emerging and mid-career artists. The collection views acquisition as a long-term act of support and commitment to artists’ careers.