Plaza de Cibeles & CentroCentro Accessibility Guide

Overview

Plaza de Cibeles is one of Madrid's most iconic squares, centered on the 18th-century Cibeles Fountain depicting the goddess Cybele riding a chariot pulled by lions. The plaza is surrounded by grand buildings, the most prominent being the Palacio de Cibeles (formerly the main post office), which now houses CentroCentro, a free cultural center run by the Madrid city government. CentroCentro features rotating exhibitions, cultural events, and a tourist information point. The building has elevator access to all cultural floors and offers free wheelchair loans. The observation deck (Mirador Madrid) on the 8th floor offers panoramic views of Madrid, but reaching it requires climbing 88 stairs from the 6th floor elevator stop, making it inaccessible for wheelchair users. The observation deck is also currently closed for technical maintenance.

Getting There

• Metro: Banco de Espana station (Line 2) is the nearest stop, exiting directly onto the plaza. The station has elevator access.
• Bus: Lines 1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 14, 15, 20, 27, 34, 37, 45, 51, 52, 53, 74, 146, and 150 stop at or near Plaza de Cibeles.
• On foot from the Prado Museum: Head north along Paseo del Prado for about 5 minutes. The route is flat and paved on wide sidewalks.
• On foot from Gran Via: Head south along Calle de Alcalá for about 10 minutes. The route is gently downhill and paved.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Plaza de Cibeles (outdoor):

• The plaza itself is a large traffic roundabout. The Cibeles Fountain sits in the center and is not directly accessible to pedestrians. It is best viewed from the sidewalks surrounding the roundabout.
• Sidewalks around the plaza are wide and flat with curb cuts at crosswalks.
• Pedestrian crossings with traffic lights provide access between the different sides of the plaza.

CentroCentro (Palacio de Cibeles interior):

• The building entrance is step-free and fully accessible.
• Elevators and platform lifts provide access to all floors dedicated to cultural activities.
• Free wheelchair loans are available at the information desk on the main floor and at the building entrance.
• Exhibition spaces are open and spacious with wide passages between displays.
• The Caja de Musica Auditorium (262 seats) is fully accessible.
• The tourist information point on the ground floor is equipped with a magnetic loop for visitors with hearing impairments and an accessible map of Madrid in braille.
• Adapted toilets with baby changing facilities are located on floors 1, 2, 3, and at the Auditorium level.

Accessible Toilets

• Adapted accessible toilets are located on floors -1, 2, and 3 of the Palacio de Cibeles.
• They include grab bars, lowered sinks, and sufficient space for wheelchair turning.
• Ask staff at the information desk on the main floor for the nearest accessible toilet.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• CentroCentro exhibitions are free. No ticket is needed.
• The observation deck costs 3 EUR when open, but is not wheelchair accessible and is currently closed for maintenance. Do not purchase a ticket if you use a wheelchair.
• Last admission to CentroCentro is at 1:30pm (morning session) and 7:00pm (afternoon session).
• The Cibeles Fountain is beautifully illuminated at night and can be admired from the surrounding sidewalks. The view from the northeast corner (near Banco de Espana metro exit) is particularly good.
• CentroCentro's Glass Gallery (Galeria de Cristal) on the 4th floor is an impressive covered courtyard that hosts events and exhibitions. It is accessible via elevator.
• The building's rooftop restaurant (if operating) may have different accessibility than the cultural spaces. Check with staff.
• Plaza de Cibeles is a central point where several of Madrid's major boulevards meet: Paseo del Prado, Paseo de Recoletos, Calle de Alcala, and Gran Via (via Calle de Alcala). All have wide, flat sidewalks suitable for wheelchair travel.
• The Prado Museum and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum are both within a 5 to 10-minute roll south along Paseo del Prado.
• The plaza is a major traffic hub. Use the pedestrian crossings with signals when crossing the surrounding roads.
• For information about accessible tourism in Madrid, visit the tourist information point inside CentroCentro. Staff can provide accessible maps and guidance.
• The building hosts occasional concerts, film screenings, and lectures. Check the CentroCentro website for the current program. Events are held in accessible spaces.