The historic Palacio de la Prensa will close for two years and put its seats up for sale

The emblematic Palacio de la Prensa building on Madrid’s Gran Vía is preparing for a large-scale refurbishment. Work will begin in 2026 and will last two years, completely changing the palace’s internal structure and cultural programme.

The main cinema auditorium will move to the second floor, where theatre performances and premieres will be held. The first floor and basement will become a multifunctional leisure area open onto Callao square. The number of cinema screens will be reduced and the cultural programme will include discussions, podcasts, among other things.

Before the remodelling, the building is offering an unusual initiative for cinema lovers: the iconic cinema seats will go on sale from January 2026 through Envera Group.

The Palacio de la Prensa, inaugurated in 1930 during the reign of Alfonso XIII and Victoria Eugenia, has witnessed almost a century of Madrid’s history: media outlets worked here, a hotel was housed here and cultural events were held, from theatre companies of the 1930s to contemporary comedy programmes and podcasts.