The Bank of Spain stands at Calle de Alcalá 48, beside Plaza de Cibeles and its fountain. Its stone façade combines eclectic design with Neo-Classical details, and the corner facing the square is a striking subject for photos. Inside, visitors have found free Adaro and Cronos exhibits, as well as an Art Deco courtyard with a glass roof and clock. The building is a worthwhile stop for its architecture, but the exterior used to represent it in Money Heist is a different Madrid building.
A landmark beside Plaza de Cibeles
The Bank of Spain’s headquarters occupy Calle de Alcalá 48, at the junction with Paseo del Prado and close to Plaza de Cibeles. The building anchors a busy central intersection, so its broad stone façade and decorated corner are easy to take in while walking between the square and the surrounding streets.
Construction began in 1884 under architects Eduardo de Adaro and Severiano Sainz de la Lastra. The headquarters opened in 1891 and were expanded as the institution grew. The design is eclectic, with prominent Neo-Classical elements, large windows and detailed stonework. The building was recognised as a Spanish property of cultural interest in 1999.
The courtyard and interior details
The interior includes a courtyard with Art Deco features, a glass roof and a clock high above it. Other noted details include stained-glass windows, a Carrara marble staircase and a historic library. These features give the building a different character from the formal stone exterior, though access inside depends on what is open to visitors.
Free Adaro and Cronos exhibits have been available inside. The Adaro exhibit focuses on the architect associated with the headquarters’ design. Check the Bank of Spain website before planning around an interior visit: posted visiting information has not always matched access on the day.
What Money Heist gets wrong
The Bank of Spain became familiar to many viewers through the Spanish series Money Heist, also known as La Casa de Papel. The real headquarters is worth seeing for its own architecture, but the exterior used to represent the bank on screen is the Ministry of Public Works building at Nuevos Ministerios. Visiting the actual Bank of Spain will not put you in front of the façade shown in the series.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is the Bank of Spain in Madrid?
It is at Calle de Alcalá 48, beside Plaza de Cibeles and close to the junction with Paseo del Prado.
Can you visit inside the Bank of Spain?
Free Adaro and Cronos exhibits have been available inside. Check the Bank of Spain website before going, as visiting information may not match access on the day.
Is the Bank of Spain building in Money Heist?
The real headquarters is associated with the series, but the exterior used on screen is the Ministry of Public Works building at Nuevos Ministerios.
