The ninth edition of the meninas madrid gallery will showcase 30 sculptures inspired by the iconic figure from Diego Velázquez's painting, placed at different points throughout the capital. Under the theme 'Madrid, the city where dreams take shape', the exhibition will be accessible from 15 November to 15 December, featuring contributions from artists, designers, craftsmen, athletes, public figures, and brands.
Engracia Hidalgo, the delegate for Economy, Innovation, and Finance, highlighted that this initiative transforms one of the most universal works of art into a collective symbol open to new interpretations and societal participation. The exhibition, promoted by the Area of Economy, Innovation, and Finance in collaboration with the Business Association of Textile, Accessories, and Leather Commerce (Acotex) through the 'Todo está en Madrid' programme, will focus on creativity, education, inclusion, and social commitment.
This year's edition will also reflect its charitable dimension with a menina dedicated to the victims of the recent train accident in Urda, serving as a tribute and recognition to all those affected by the tragedy. Additional tributes will be made to the victims of the earthquake in Venezuela and to the city of Ceuta, alongside a menina celebrating the Spanish national football team for their second World Cup victory.
One of the key innovations for 2026 is the involvement of three educational centres from Madrid, Huesca, and Argentina, selected through an international call that attracted over 150,000 drawings from more than 1,000 educational institutions. Their designs will be transformed into sculptures, bringing the creativity of children and young people into public spaces. The exhibition will also feature a collective menina created from drawings by children linked to the Pequeño Deseo Foundation, which helps children with serious illnesses fulfil their wishes.
Moreover, a sculpture dedicated to 'Hecho en Madrid', the municipal label recognising the quality and creativity of Madrid's economic activity, will be included. Participating artists and personalities include Venezuelan actor Edgar Ramírez, the band Rawayana, Spanish designer Pablo Erroz, and influencer Victoria Federica de Marichalar y Borbón.
Each sculpture, originally designed by Antonio Azzato, will incorporate a QR code that allows visitors to learn about its story and access a virtual representation of the work. The 30 meninas will be integrated into Madrid's urban landscape, encouraging exploration of various neighbourhoods and charming spots while inviting visitors to discover local shops.
This exhibition exemplifies the public-private collaboration between the Madrid City Council and Acotex, aimed at bringing culture to all audiences and revitalising commercial areas. Since its inception, the meninas madrid gallery has raised over one million euros for charitable causes through the auctioning of sculptures. At the end of the exhibition, 80% of the proceeds will be allocated to foundations and charities, with the remaining 20% ensuring the project's continuity. Unsold sculptures may be recycled for future editions. The impact of this initiative, after eight editions, includes over 380 works and participation from more than 270 artists and creators, contributing to projecting Madrid's image as an open, dynamic, and creative city internationally.
