Having been closed for 27 years, the former Estación del Norte has been transformed into a large culture and entertainment complex, called La Estación. It contains a large performance area, which offers a varied programme including all kinds of shows, from theatre to concerts and musical cabaret.
The venue has a variable capacity according to the show. In a theatre set-up, it has 980 seats, for cabaret shows it can seat 991 people, and in concert format, it can seat 1,960 people. When theatre and cabaret shows are scheduled, the name of the venue is Gran Teatro CaixaBank Príncipe Pío. If concerts are scheduled, then the name becomes Warner Music Station.
Prior to its inauguration in the old building, the space was housed in a baroque hall of mirrors in a tent outside the station, known as a Spiegeltent, inspired by German dance halls pre-World War II, which hosted the cultural programme from 2016 until the summer of 2019.
LA ESTACIÓN
This multi-purpose space, covering an area of 7,000 m2, is set to become a major venue on Madrid’s cultural and entertainment scene. As well as the cultural programme, it offers a wide range of activities for the whole family as well as restaurants. La Estación is located in the former Estación del Norte, a train station designed by French engineers Biarez, Grasset and Ouliac in the 19th century, which has been closed since 1993.
The French-inspired building has been comprehensively remodelled, whilst retaining many of its features. Listed as a unique building, it is protected in its entirety, so the refurbishment work had to be adapted to its various features. So, we can now enjoy once more its Imperial style staircase, its two old lifts (which, although not in operation, can still be visited), its nine original lights, its two lockers and the Modernist pavilion, which shelters the entrance.
Decorative elements such as coats of arms, balustrades and cornices have also been restored.
Another important element is the ‘Chamber of authorities’, a small and very grand room located in the basement, once used by King Alfonso XIII and Francisco Franco while waiting for the train.
La Estación is composed of a central space occupied by the theatre itself and two towers known as Levante and Poniente, the first of which will be used for an innovative restoration proposal with offices and training rooms, and the second of which will have an impressive 360º viewing platform looking out over the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral and the Sierra de Madrid.
In addition, the space has an outdoor area of 3,000 square metres, which will be used for all kinds of public and private outdoor events and activities.
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