Madrid pays tribute to its oldest shops with a free exhibition on Calle Amaniel

Madrid has a free exhibition that is, at the same time, a walk through its commercial memory. Centro Cultural Clara del Rey hosts the second edition of “Façades of Centenary Businesses in the Centro District”, an exhibition bringing together 50 paintings and drawings devoted to some of the oldest businesses in the heart of the city. It can be visited until 30 April at 29 Calle de Amaniel.

The exhibition was opened on 10 March 2026 by the district councillor, Carlos Segura, who defended the value of small businesses not only as an economic engine but also as part of the cultural legacy that explains Madrid. And it is easy to see why: each work functions as a time capsule, with signs, shop windows and details that have survived decades of change.

50 works made in front of each façade, in just two hours

The free exhibition ‘Façades of Centenary Businesses in the Centro District’ can now be visited at Centro Cultural Clara del Rey (29 Calle de Amaniel), Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 to 21:00, with free entry until capacity is reached. The exhibition brings together 50 works by 20 Urban Sketchers Madrid artists —32 paintings and 18 sketchbook drawings— devoted to historic façades such as Calzados Toledo, Casa Lucio, Casa Mira, Café Comercial, Casa Yustas or Hazen, and will be open until 30 April.

The exhibition consists of 50 works signed by 20 artists: 32 paintings and 20 sketchbook drawings displayed in glass cases. The quick, direct techniques include watercolour, coloured pencils and pastel. The rule was clear: every piece was made in front of the business and in a maximum of two hours.

Afterwards, the ritual was completed inside the premises: the artists showed the result to the business and asked for its stamp, a way of certifying that the drawing was born there, at that moment, with the shutter raised and life passing through the door.

This project began in November 2019 and, up to April 2024, has portrayed 186 establishments. In the first edition, held at the same cultural centre in January last year, 60 works were exhibited.

Photo by madrid.es

Shoe shops, textiles, wine stores and restaurants with the 19th century behind them

The selection runs through trades and sectors that have shaped the district: from shoe shops and clothing stores to eateries and wine stores. Half of the businesses portrayed date from the 19th century and are still active today, such as Calzados Toledo (1857), El Ferrocarril (1870), Lobo (1897), Antigua Casa Crespo (1863) or Casa Vega (1880). It also includes textile classics such as Casa Pajares (1873), Confecciones J. Zorrilla (1870), M. Hernández (1890) and La Gloria (1882), as well as Guantes Luque (1886) and Casa Yustas (1886).

In the gastronomic section, façades of very recognisable names are portrayed, such as Casa Lucio (1872), Casa Manolo (1896), El Comunista (1890) or La Fontana de Oro (1820), alongside traditional taverns such as Barrutia and el 9 (1898).

The list is completed by businesses that are almost sentimental heritage: Mármoles Molinero (1825), Café Comercial (1887), Cafés La Mexicana (1890), Casa Mira (1855), the religious shop El Ángel (1867), the pharmacies De la Serna (1853) and El Águila (1888), the herbalist La Fuente (1856), the instrument shop Hazen (1814), the jewellery shop Finarte (1830) or the grocers Los Ferreros (1892).

Where and until when

The exhibition “Façades of Centenary Businesses in the Centro District” can be visited free of charge until 30 April at 29 Amaniel (Madrid).