From its humble beginnings in 2000 Medialab Matadero has evolved. It started as a cultural program within the Conde Duque cultural center. The Madrid City Council created it. It quickly grew into a renowned hub for citizen innovation. Medialab Matadero wasn’t always here. In 2007 it moved to the basement of the Serrería Belga. This old industrial building dates back to the 1920s. It was owned by Belgian immigrants. The name changed to Medialab-Prado because of its proximity to the Prado Museum.
The building underwent a massive refurbishment in 2013. The renovation used 4000 square meters. It won numerous awards including the 12th Spanish Biennial of Architecture and Town Planning award. There was even a moment when the City Council considered renting the building to Telefónica. A significant public outcry ensued. Many renowned figures signed a manifesto. They supported keeping Medialab-Prado. The building remained dedicated to Medialab-Prado’s mission.
Medialab-Prado’s innovative spirit earned it international recognition. In 2010 it received an honorary award from Prix Ars Electronica. Then in 2016 it won the Princess Margriet Award. This was from the European Cultural Foundation. The award recognized its role in social participation and political experimentation through culture. The Medialab Matadero hosted numerous influential figures. These included academics such as Nancy Fraser and Yochai Benkler. Politicians like EU Commissioner Karmenu Vella also visited. It also hosted the Libre Graphics Meeting. It hosted the Red Bull Music Academy and the Media Facades Festival Europe.
One remarkable anecdote involves Arduino. Its co-founder David Cuartielles presented it at Medialab Matadero. Ars Electronica’s director Gerfried Stoker saw it. He then invited Cuartielles to showcase it at the festival. This led to Arduino’s global recognition. Medialab Matadero’s impact is undeniable. It is considered a cultural change-maker. It’s a place for citizens to access digital opportunities. It is a place that builds new communities and legitimizes bold experimentation. It is a place reinventing mediation patterns. Today Medialab Matadero stands as a testament to collaborative innovation. It stands as a vibrant space within the Matadero Madrid complex. It continues its legacy of fostering creativity and citizen engagement.