As a professional photographer in Madrid, I'm always on the hunt for unique and captivating locations. One such place that has captured my imagination is the Chamberí Ghost Station, a defunct metro station that has been transformed into a museum.
The ticket hall of Chamberi station
The Chamberí station, located under the Plaza de Chamberí, was one of the original eight metro stops of the Madrid Metro. Designed by the architect Antonio Palacios (8 January 1874 – 27 October 1945) and inaugurated on 17 October 1919, it served Madrid's first metro line. Palacios was responsible for some Madrid landmarks, such as the Palacio de Comunicaciones, the Circulo de Bellas Artes, and the template del Metro de la Gran Via, as well as many metro station interiors.
Exit barriers at Chamberi station ticket hall
The original entry staircase, blocked, and now serving as a intro video theatre seating.
The skylight from the previous image but photographed from the street outside.
The station was closed in 1966 due to technical difficulties in extending it to accommodate larger trains. However, the metro line still passes through the station, offering a fleeting glimpse of the past to the passengers on the train. Entry these days requires a reservation made in advance. Check out the link at the end of the article.
One way exit, looking out the entry hall.
Stepping into the Chamberí station is like stepping back in time. The station has been meticulously restored, with the original ticket offices, turnstiles, and maps all on display, including J Antonio, nowadays Gran Via once again. The walls of the platform are adorned with beautifully reconstructed original advertisements, composed of tiny, brilliantly-coloured tiles just as they were in 1919.
Old list of stations south of Chamberi, including Jose Antonio, these days Gran Via.
One of the most striking features of the station is the trains that still rumble through it. Separated from the exhibit area only by a clear glass barrier, these trains offer a stark reminder of the station's past and its continued connection to the present.
The clear barrier with a regular metro train rushing past, visible from the platform of Chamberi station
During my visit, I captured some stunning photographs of the platforms, the outside of the station, the ticket turnstiles, and the old advertisements. Not easy; the lights were dim and a strange colour, giving a brown tinge; a slow shutter speed and a steady hand were needed to capture clean images. These photos offer a unique perspective on the station and its history, and I'm excited to share them with you here.
A tiled advert for Gal at the platform end
An old ad for El Trust jewellers in tiles on the platform
You shall not pass!
When purging was therapeutic. Mineral water ad.
But the Chamberí station is more than just a museum. It's a testament to Madrid's rich history and the city's commitment to preserving its past. It's a place where you can feel the pulse of the city, from the rush of the trains to the quiet stillness of the abandoned platforms.
An ad for Almacenes Rodriguez, on the other platform, narrowed to allowed train to pass through quicker.
So, if you're planning a trip to Madrid and are looking for a unique photography location, I highly recommend the Chamberí Ghost Station. It's not just a place to take great photos; it's a place to experience the history and soul of Madrid.
Photos of how the street entrance to the station used to look. These info boards are dotted around the museum fleshing out the story.
Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words, and in Madrid, every corner has a story to tell. Let's tell your story together.
Chamberi station logo in tiles on the platform
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