Centro Cultural de Conde Duque
Malasaña
Built by Pedro de Ribera in 1717–30 to accommodate the Regiment of the Royal Guard, this imposing building (the facade is 750 feet long) was used as a military academy and an astronomical observatory in the 19th century. It is now a cultural and arts center with a contemporary art museum and temporary art exhibitions in some of its spaces, including the public and historical libraries. Local history professors offer free tours (in Spanish) of the building every Friday at 5 pm. In summer, concerts are held outside in the main plaza.
