Matadero Madrid presents The Animals, a photographic exhibition by Estela de Castro

The Contemporary Creation Center Matadero Madrid is hosting The Animals, a photographic project by Estela de Castro, on view until January 2026 in Plaza Matadero, outside Nave 15. The exhibition can be visited daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and admission is free.

The show features a selection of 22 portraits from a larger body of work that the Spanish photographer developed over two years in animal sanctuaries and rescue centers. In total, she portrayed 122 animals, each with an individual life story often marked by abandonment, exploitation, or laboratory use.

Estela de Castro’s work belongs to the tradition of socially engaged contemporary photography, where portraiture serves as a tool for reflection and memory. In The Animals, she turns her lens toward those usually kept out of public view, offering a space for visibility and recognition.

Presented at Matadero Madrid, this selection reflects the ethical and aesthetic depth of the project. Through a direct and thoughtful approach, the images invite viewers to reconsider the human–animal relationship, allowing the faces and stories of the portrayed beings to take center stage.

Practical information:
📍 Venue: Plaza Matadero (outside Nave 15), Matadero Madrid
📆 Dates: Until January 2026
🕘 Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
🎟️ Free admission
🏛️ Organizer: Matadero Madrid