Sotheby’s Institute alumnus Enrique Santos, co-founder of Magalhães & Santos—a gallery specializing in Old Masters and 20th-century design in Madrid’s Malasaña neighborhood—shares his insider perspective on what makes the city’s art scene so compelling right now.

The Cultural Pulse of Madrid

In a city where classical influence meets avant-garde experimentation, Madrid’s art world has always balanced tradition with reinvention. But something has shifted in recent years. There’s a renewed energy in how artists are working, and how audiences—local and global—are responding.

What makes Madrid’s art scene unique right now is the way Spanish art, culture, and lifestyle are finally receiving the global recognition they deserve. Long known for its Old Masters and classical heritage, Madrid is also asserting itself as a city where tradition and contemporary practice coexist.

Beyond this foundation, the contemporary scene is gaining significant importance. Even though our gallery, Magalhães & Santos, specializes in Old Masters, we actively present artists with both quality and projection, giving visibility to new voices we believe should resonate internationally. These artists often share a vision of Spain that embraces its traditions unapologetically.

“It’s a city where conversations over coffee or at an exhibition are not just about art, but about life. This closeness and constant dialogue is what makes the city’s artistic ecosystem so vibrant and inspiring.”

 

Many of the stereotypes of Spanish culture are probably true—and we’re very proud of it. The daily rhythm of Madrid—an encounter with the Prado in the morning, an aperitivo at midday, the intensity of bullfighting in the afternoon, and the passion of a flamenco tablao by night—becomes more than lifestyle. It is a metaphor for Spain itself: a culture in perpetual dialogue between history and vitality, ritual and reinvention.

Must-See Spaces

The city’s museum landscape alone offers an unparalleled journey: from the Museo Nacional del Prado, to the Royal Collections Gallery, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, or the Museum of the Americas, which highlights Spain’s historical connections across continents and reminds us of the country’s role as the motherland for Hispanic communities worldwide. Together, these collections serve as an example of who we are and where we come from.

I would also highlight the ARCO art fair, during which Magalhães & Santos will present exhibitions that invite contemporary artists to reinterpret classical iconography through a modern lens. These shows foster dialogue between past and present, bridging Spain’s artistic heritage with current creative practices. Last year’s exhibition, After Illusion: A Lasting Memento, exemplified this approach by reimagining traditional motifs in ways that resonate powerfully with contemporary audiences engaging with a curated selection of Old Master paintings.

Magalhães & Santos is a lively and active place! On Saturdays, we host vermouth and aperitivo—a relaxed way to share ideas with artists, collectors, or anyone interested in art or collecting. We’re also fortunate to have an 18th-century wine cellar, where we hold concerts, jam sessions, and even cinema nights, turning the space into a real hub for creativity and cultural exchange.

Image: Magalhães & Santos gallery

Artists and Trends to Watch

Ángel de León has firmly established himself as one of Spain’s leading young artists. Influenced by nightlife, memory, and imagination, his works act as a contemporary memento mori, blending humor, absurdity, and surrealist elements. Some of his paintings reinterpret classical iconography through a contemporary lens, offering a fresh perspective on life, death, and the fleeting nature of existence. De León’s art has gained international recognition, with recent exhibitions in Dubai and Barcelona, positioning him as a compelling voice of Spanish culture globally.

In parallel, Gracia Arruiz and La Ruman represent two contrasting but equally vital approaches. Arruiz, trained in Florence and now based in New York, works exclusively by hand in marble, preserving the legacy of classical sculpture within a modern context. La Ruman, by contrast, approaches tradition with playful naivety, creating characters drawn from flamenco, bullfighting, and farándula. Together, they reflect the diverse ways Spanish identity is being reimagined today.

I’m pleased to share that these three artists will be exhibiting at Magalhães & Santos in an exhibition entitled España, which will open next October to coincide with Hispanic Heritage Day.

Artwork: Ángel de León, Prometheus, 2025. Reinterpreting the Rubens at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Courtesy of the artist.
Carlos Vázquez, Amapola, 1938. Courtesy of Magalhães & Santos.

Enrique’s Top Picks in Madrid

Gallery: Magalhães & Santos (Calle Divino Pastor 26, Madrid)

Exhibition: So far, so close, Guadalupe of Mexico in Spain — Museo Nacional del Prado (June 10, 2025 – September 14, 2025)

Café: La Venencia (Calle Echegaray 7, Madrid)

Madrid on the Global Stage

Madrid’s art scene is increasingly connected to the international circuit. Collectors and curators from Europe, the Middle East, and Hispanic America engage with the city through major art fairs and institutional collaborations. Many international museums are actively seeking to broaden their collections with Spanish and Viceroyal art, making Madrid the natural hub for this exploration.

But it’s not only about Madrid itself—nearby cities and their cultural treasures are just a short train ride away. From Córdoba, Seville, Granada, Toledo, Segovia, El Escorial, or Burgos, Spain’s museums, churches, and monasteries offer a wealth of historical and artistic richness, all easily accessible within one or two hours of the capital.

Enrique’s Take

For me, living within Madrid’s art community is a lot of fun and a fully immersive experience. I thrive on the daily rhythm of engaging with scholars, curators, collectors, and restorers—sharing insights, debating ideas, and exchanging perspectives. It’s a city where conversations over coffee or at an exhibition are not just about art, but about life. This closeness and constant dialogue is what makes the city’s artistic ecosystem so vibrant and inspiring.

I love wandering through Madrid’s streets, visiting auctions, galleries, and museums, and connecting with anyone who wants to talk about art, music, food… Sharing a glass of sherry from Jerez or Montilla with fellow enthusiasts or friends you bump into on the street is as much a part of the experience as visiting a new exhibition or discovering a hidden masterpiece. It’s in these daily moments of exchange that Madrid’s art scene truly comes alive, reflecting both the city’s rich heritage and its ongoing creative energy.

Banner and inline images courtesy of Enrique Santos.