The architects Enrique Fort y Luis Landecho, were in charge of building the current headquarters of the Ateneo in modernist style. Later Arturo Melida He decorated the Assembly Hall and the English Hall with his paintings. Its narrow stone façade is striking. It is the entrance to a building in the shape of a Latin cross. Before that, the institution had had various locations: Abrantes Palace, Carretas Street, Angel Square and Montera Street, up to this one at Prado Street number 21. Antonio Canovas del Castillo inaugurated the House in 1884.

The history of the Ateneo as a centre of Spanish culture is very important and extensive. It has been here since its birth, in the first third of the 19th century (The Scientific and Literary Athenaeum was founded in 1835, and later the term "Artistic" was also added to it) the most relevant figures in Spanish culture and politics.
But if there was one thing to highlight about the Ateneo, it would undoubtedly be its library. One of the most important in the country, with nearly three hundred and fifty thousand copies. On a par with those of El Escorial and the National Library.

The Athenaeum offers guided tours Highly recommended to get to know the building and the institution.