Karen Boyer Madrid Summer City Guide
Welcome to APAA’s summer series celebrating the intersection of travel and art around the world. This new collection spotlights insider perspectives from our global membership, as we invite members to share personal guides to their cities—highlighting favorite restaurants, bars, things to do, and, most importantly, local art.
Our series takes us to Madrid, Spain next with a thoughtfully curated guide by APAA member Karen Boyer, sharing her favorite spots in the city where art, culture, and creativity collide.
“Madrid is having a moment. More collectors are visiting, some are buying second (or third) homes, and the local art scene just keeps getting stronger. I’ve been spending more time here myself and have been lucky to visit some fantastic exhibitions and artists’ studios. Below are a few current highlights (in no particular order)—plus where to eat, drink, and maybe run into me!” — Karen Boyer
Galleries
Celebrating 10 years with a smart group show that includes some standout Spanish artists. Solid program, and the anniversary adds a little extra energy.
Installation view of Decade. Volume II on view until August 2, 2025.
Strong group show in this Colombia-rooted gallery’s Madrid space. Great mix of Latin American and Spanish voices.
La Cometa, Madrid
Quietly powerful show by Willa Wasserman—meditative and a little eerie. Worth spending time with.
Installation view of Willa Wasserman's Hart Island Exhibition on view until July 26, 2025.
Lovely, moody abstractions by Clare Grill. If you like painting, don’t miss it.
Installation View, Cutwork, Galería Marta Cervera © Paula Caballero.
Beautiful work by Timo Nasseri—elegant, geometric, and thought-provoking. Nicely installed.
Installation view of The Garden of Forking Paths at Sabrina Amrani.
Museums
Once you’ve made the rounds at the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen, here are a few more worth visiting.
A fantastic installation by Joana Vasconcelos inside this historic palace. The contrast between her work and the space really works.
Great private collection of 20th-century Spanish art in a very polished space. The show is excellent, the building is beautiful, and sometimes you’ll see more guards than visitors.
Installation view of Masaveu Collection. 20th-Century Spanish Art. From Picasso to Barceló.
Smartly curated show from the late Helga de Alvear’s photography collection—she was a visionary gallerist and collector. Her gallery is just down the street and currently has a strong photo show. And if you have a free day, her private museum in Cáceres is a great excuse for a road trip.
Image courtesy of Serrería Belga.
Studio Visits
Karen has been visiting some great local Spanish artists. If you’re interested in seeing work or arranging a visit, she is happy to help coordinate! Artists include: Sonia Navarro, Miki Leal, Eloy Arribas, Lucía Bayón, Cristina Lucas and Prudencio Irazábal (shown in order).
Culinary Riches & Bebidas Abound
Madrid has an embarrassment of culinary riches—so much good food it almost feels unfair. But here are a few personal favorites:
Inventive Spanish cooking with a lot of personality.
Tiny, casual, and incredible seafood. Order any clams and extra bread—you’ll want it.
Cool vibe, great food. Hard to get a reservation, but they take walk-ins if you don’t mind a short wait.
Playful take on Spanish classics. The kind of place where every dish is a little surprise.
Basque cooking done right. Tough to book online, but if you call, they’ll often squeeze you in.
Private, but I’m a member—if you’re in town, reach out and I’ll see if I can bring you. Flamenco on Monday nights is a highlight.
A good Sunday late-lunch spot. In Spain, that’s the big weekly meal, and they do it well.
Anywhere!
Tinto de Verano: red wine and Fanta Limón. It sounds wrong, but it’s absolutely right—and you can’t get it in the U.S.
Best rooftop view in Madrid. It’s a private club, but fun fact: they open to the public at night.
Live piano music every evening. Quiet and elegant.
Worth a Trip: Menorca
José Dávila show on now. Great work in a lovely island setting.
Doesn’t matter what’s on view—it’s worth it for the space, the ferry ride, and lunch at Cantina.
