We make a small review of our cultural agenda in Madrid in the month of March, with interesting proposals that you cannot miss.

For the nostalgic people, an exhibition designed to recall the moments of childhood full of imagination and adventures: "Historietas del Tebeo: 1917-1977", in the ABC Museum. From El Capitán Trueno to Tom Thumb, this showing includes a total of 300 works that go through our national history of the band designed since the birth of the "TBO". Until March 16th.

Cover of the no. 107 of “El Capitán Trueno”

"Generación 2018" in La Casa Encendida presents the work of the winners in the latest call Generations, in which more than 500 artists under 35 have participated. 10 projects of young creators in a sample curated by Ignacio Cabrero, in which the main common point is the concern for the current state of contemporary society, with its weaknesses and strengths. Until April 15th.

Serafín Álvarez, from the project “Umbral”, photography, 2017.

Among the classics, the exhibition devoted to Toulouse-Lautrec in the Canal de Isabel II Foundation is essential, which includes for the first time in Spain one of the broadest collections of advertising posters produced by this author of the Belle Époque. The exhibition presents 33 original posters in a collection of 65 works, by other contemporaries such as Mucha or Cheret. An essential visit to immerse yourself in the Paris of the early 20th century. Until May 6th.

Toulouse-Lautrec. “Jane Avril”, 1899. Image by courtesy of Musée d’Ixelles

The photographer Ed van der Elsken has in our country his first great retrospective. The Bárbara de Braganza show-room of the Mapfre Foundation presents this collection of one of the most cosmopolitan authors of the 20th century, in which his role as a filmmaker and editor is also explored. The exhibition has been organised by the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam and will be open until May 20th.

Ed van der Elsken, “Girl in the subway, Tokyo”, photography, 1981. Photo: © Ed van der Elsken / Collection Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam.

Nor can we forget the exhibition "Warhol. El arte mecánico" in CaixaForum Madrid. After passing through Barcelona, this collection lands in the capital to present a proposal that reflects on the artistic production in series and the role of the artist in this process, where Warhol is its main exponent. Until May 6th.

Warhol. El arte mecánico

The 22nd edition of Art Madrid opens its application period. From 3 to 7 March 2027, the Galería de Cristal del Palacio de Cibeles will once again become the meeting point for national and international contemporary art. Galleries interested in taking part can submit their application until 20 October 2026.

Art Madrid'26 - 21st Contemporary Art Fair. Aerial view.

The Art Madrid contemporary art fair

Art Madrid takes place each year as part of Madrid Art Week, the moment in the Spanish art calendar with the highest concentration of collectors, institutions and specialist press. With 22 years of history, the fair brings together national and international galleries with a programme focused on recently produced contemporary work.

Located at the Galería de Cristal del Palacio de Cibeles, in the cultural heart of the city and steps away from the Triángulo del Arte and the Paseo del Prado, Art Madrid offers participating galleries a distinctive and recognisable setting within the Spanish art fair landscape.

Art Madrid'26 - 21st Contemporary Art Fair. Entrance.

Art Madrid'26 in figures

The previous edition closed with 35 galleries from 7 countries (Spain, Portugal, France, Denmark, Taiwan, South Korea and Cuba), over 200 artists and around 20,000 visitors. 35% of the audience were new collectors, with an age range between 35 and 60 and a gender split of 55% women and 45% men.

The fair welcomed representatives from more than 30 foundations, museums and collections, including Fundación Mapfre, Fundación BBVA, Fundación Telefónica, Fundación Banco Santander, Fundación Bertelsmann, Fundación María Cristina Masaveu Peterson, Fundación Carmen y Lluís Bassat, Fundación Studiolo, Fundació Lluís Coromina, IVAM, MARCO, CAAM, MEIAC and the Museo del Romanticismo. Delegations from Madrid City Council, the Community of Madrid, the Ministry of Culture and ambassadors from several countries also attended.

Art Madrid'26 - 21st Contemporary Art Fair. Fundación Studiolo Acquisition Award.

PROGRAMMES

GALLERIES PROGRAMME

In each edition, Art Madrid brings together a carefully curated selection of around 35 national and international galleries with proposals focused on recently produced contemporary work.

ONE SHOT COLLECTORS PROGRAMME

Sponsored by One Shot Hotels and led by Ana Suárez Gisbert (art advisor specialising in international law and the art trade, art appraiser and court expert), the Collectors Programme connects new and experienced buyers with the participating works and galleries through a personalised advisory service throughout the five days of the fair.

For galleries, it operates as an additional channel for engaging active buyers, running in parallel to their own commercial activity.

PATRONAGE PROGRAMME

Art Madrid partners with institutions, collectors and private companies to directly support artists and galleries through awards and acquisitions. At the 2026 edition:

• One Shot Hotels Breakthrough Artist Award (€1,000): Joost Vandebrug · KANT Gallery (Copenhagen–Palma)
• Cervezas Alhambra Emerging Artist Award (€1,000): Iyán Castaño · Galería Arancha Osoro (Oviedo)
• Colección Studiolo Acquisition: Roger Sanguino · DDR Art Gallery (Madrid)
• Colección E2IN2 Acquisition: Albert Bonet · Inéditad Gallery (Barcelona)
• Devesa Law Acquisition: Kim Han Ki · Banditrazos Gallery (Seoul)
• Colección dn2 Acquisition: Iván Baizán · Galería Arancha Osoro (Oviedo)

Art Madrid'26 - 21st Contemporary Art Fair. Devesa Law Acquisition Award.

PARALLEL PROGRAMME AND ON-SITE ACTIVITIES

Throughout February, Art Madrid runs a Parallel Programme of series, talks and projects that extend the dialogue beyond the fair venue.

During the five days of the fair, alongside the galleries' exhibition programme, on-site activities include the Open Booth, the Performance Series and Readings: Curated Tours.

Art Madrid'26 - 21st Contemporary Art Fair. View of Daniel Barrio's Open Booth.

Communication and reach

The Art Madrid'26 communications campaign reached 17 million people across online and offline media: print press, radio, exclusive catalogue, web, newsletter, social media and virtual 360° tour. Coverage included general and specialist national and international media, with appearances on RTVE, TeleMadrid, Onda Madrid, Onda Cero, COPE, El Mundo, ABC, Vogue, TimeOut and Elle, among others.

All participating galleries and artists feature on the Art Madrid website during and after the fair, with their own profile, images of works and contact details.

Art Madrid'26 - 21st Contemporary Art Fair. Aerial view.

KEY INFORMATION:

Galleries interested in taking part in the 22nd edition of Art Madrid can submit their application through the online registration form available on the website until 20 October 2026.

For any queries, please write to info@art-madrid.com or call +34 91 535 87 11.