This public institution created by Spain in 1991 is responsible for the promotion and teaching of the Spanish language and the dissemination of Hispanic cultures worldwide.  It has two branches in Madrid: one is located in the popular Calle de Alcalá, alongside the Gran Vía, and the other in the municipality of Alcalá de Henares, birthplace of the illustrious writer, Miguel de Cervantes.

The Madrid headquarters of this institute is located in Alcalá street, in what is known as the “Edificio de las Cariátides” (Caryatid Building). The former head office of the Central Bank, it was designed by the architects Antonio Palacios and Joaquín Otamendi to house the historic Río de la Plata Bank.

The Cervantes Institute, present in 88 cities in 45 countries on the five continents, has a lot of cultural activity for all audiences with diverse proposals, such as exhibitions, workshops, talks, film cycles, concerts, etc.