The light of the Ateneo de Madrid

Two centuries looking for the light collect the great jewels from the archive of the bicentennial institution

The spectacular library of the Ateneo de Madrid, renowned as the cradle of knowledge and culture, opens its doors to the public to host the exhibition Two centuries looking for the lighta tour that tries to capture the symbol of the institution: light.

Heiress of the Spanish Athenaeum and a cultural and political reference, the institution was founded in 1835 under the protection of regent María Cristina with a very simple and complex premise: “spread the lights”spread culture.

Over the years, the number of members of the Ateneo de Madrid has decreased and this special program could be a great opportunity to increase interest in being part of this institution located in the heart of Barrio de las Letras.

on the occasion of bicentennial celebrationthe Ateneo de Madrid has organized a multitude of cultural proposals with free access or at a very affordable price, a way of returning to the initial idea of this institution and bringing culture closer to all social strata on the streets of Madridto be Two centuries looking for the light one of them.

A path from which light emanates

Mariano José de Larra was his first member number of the Athenaeum, so a small part of the tour is dedicated to him. The seven founders voted to incorporate Larra into the institution using wooden balls that can be seen in the exhibition. so start Two centuries looking for the light.

To the Photographs They are the protagonists of the exhibition and allow the visitor to enter the Ateneo de Madrid from a perspective that goes back decades. The peculiar collection of small photographs on glass plates is one of the major attractions of the exhibition. In fact, it is the window where most visitors stop, driven by curiosity about what the photographs showed.

Archive bibliographic documents and manuscripts occupy an important space along the route, also animated by classical music composed and performed by members of Ateneo Madrid. Music has played a very important role in the institution since its inception, which is maintained and celebrated throughout the exhibition.

Two centuries looking for the light is displayed in La Pecera, a room adjacent to the main space of the library, in whose desks great cultural references began his legacy. Literary movements were forged on the shelves of this library, from intense romanticism to the powerful generation of 27. Contemporary art also found its place climbing the stairs of the Ateneo de Madrid, as did the concerns of numerous scientists. The first feminist debates They were held in the rooms of this building and seven Spanish Nobel Prize winners walked through its corridors.

Entering this room, seeing the desks and walls full of books is a breath of knowledge for those who feel that culture runs through their veins. Without a doubt, a unique opportunity to be involved with letters, art and science.

An entire cultural and scientific legacy that emanates from each of the Ateneo Madrid rooms and that will continue with its special bicentennial programming during the last two weeks. This way, The exhibition can be visited until April 30th.

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