Fifty years after Pablo Picasso’s death, the spotlight is on Madrid as the capital prepares to host a series of events, exhibitions and activities throughout April, as part of a program put together by the Spanish and French governments to honor the artist’s life. The “Picasso 1973-2023 Celebration” will feature over 50 exhibitions to provide a historiographical analysis of the artist’s work.
Situated in an area famed for providing rich inspiration for some of Spain’s most notable creatives over centuries, the family-owned Gran Hotel Inglés is the oldest hotel in Madrid that opened its doors for the first time in 1886. Uniquely positioned in the heart of Madrid’s characterful Barrio de las Letras, it is also a stone’s throw from the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Reina Sofia Museum and The Prado Museum, all of which will play host to celebratory exhibitions honoring Picasso this April. The Barrio de las Letras is one of Madrid’s most central neighborhoods; a dynamic, cultural melting pot studded with monuments. This area is where the city’s theaters opened in courtyards at the end of the 16th century, and where many giants of the Golden Age of Spanish literature had their homes, including Cervantes, Lope de Vega, and Quevedo.
From April 1 to 10, 2023, Gran Hotel Inglés will celebrate the life of Pablo Picasso by offering all guests a complimentary guide through the city – “The Picasso Route” – a guided tour created by the hotel that visits 10 significant spots across the city, before concluding at the Reina Sofía Museum. These 10 locations represent the places where it is believed Picasso would have developed part of his creativity while enjoying the vibrant capital. To mark the momentous occasion, all guests staying over these dates will also receive a complimentary ticket to visit the Reina Sofía Museum during their stay, to see one of the artist’s most popular works, “Guernica.” A further nod to Picasso, throughout the hotel, visitors can also find “Did you know?” cards that feature stories and unique facts about the acclaimed artist.
The narrow streets that surround Gran Hotel Inglés are also steeped in history, lined with tapas bars, best-in-class restaurants and quirky shopping boutiques, with plenty to keep travelers busy. Be it for a cup of hot chocolate with churros in the Plaza del Ángel, a late evening visit to the old Botanic Gardens and to buy flowers at the oldest florist in Spain, or drinks and live music at Café Central, one of the best jazz clubs in the world – history lives in these streets, coined the birthplace of Spanish theater and the arts.
Inside the hotel, 48 rooms and suites have been designed with Art Deco features and luxe relaxation in mind, under the artistic direction of Rockwell Group. Rockwell Group brought back the glamor, elegance and innovation of the hotel, weaving original imagery and salvaged historic items into the design. The lobby ceiling has statement circular chandeliers and is inspired by a classic English manor, a has a central lobby bar is surrounded by a round cocktail lounge intended as a gathering spot for locals as much as for international visitors. Exquisite, traditional Madrid food is served in the lobby bar, LobByto, which comes alive with live music, delicious tapas, sharing plates, and smooth cocktails. Gran Hotel Inglés enables its guests to live Madrid’s history in the present day, while effortlessly enjoying all the contemporary delights of this energetic city.
