The characteristic dome of the old Méndez Álvaro IMAX cinema, in Tierno Galván Park, collapsed this Saturday as part of the building's remodeling works, an action planned and authorized which is part of the change of use of the premises.
The building has been closed for a decade and is in the midst of a transformation to become a large musical theatre, with a project that includes up to 1.500 seats and a business investment of around 30 million euros.
What exactly happened?
The demolition phase of the dome was carried out on Saturday, culminating in the controlled collapse of the structure. Authorities confirm that no injuries were reported in the operation.
In the videos and photographs spread on social networks the dome can be seen already completely collapsed and a cloud of dust rising after the demolition, images that have caught the attention of curious people in the area around Tierno Galván.
Workers were working inside when the operation took place, which ended without incident. The area was quickly cleared. cordoned off and supervised to keep pedestrians and workers safe.
Crews from the Community of Madrid and the Fire Department, as well as the Municipal Police and Samur, were dispatched to the scene and coordinated the work to secure the perimeter and remove debris as quickly as possible.
Operation and permits
Sources from the Municipal Police and Emergency services reported that it was a scheduled demolition with proper permits, so the device was activated and sized to respond to any eventuality.
Firefighters worked to verify the stability of the remaining parts of the building and maintain safe conditions for construction personnel, with special attention to the access points and the immediate surroundings of the site.
The operation included heavy machinery and technical personnel, coordinated through 112, while Samur medical teams remained on standby. The priority was minimize impact in the neighborhood and ensure public safety throughout the intervention.
From IMAX to the new theater
The iconic building, which has been inactive for 10 years, is moving toward its conversion into a large-scale performance space. The plan is to increase the capacity from 477 to 1.500 spectators, with improvements in accessibility, acoustics and services.
The Stage Entertainment company, responsible for productions such as The Lion King and Aladdin In Madrid, it is leading the investment, which amounts to around 30 million euros, to adapt the old infrastructure to the standards of a modern theater.
The project has a long-term municipal concession, which will allow the site to be exploited for several decades and ensure the viability of the cultural commitment in this strategic enclave of the capital.
With the dome now removed, the works will continue with new phases of interior and envelope adaptation, necessary steps to give shape to a new cultural center in the surroundings of Tierno Galván Park.
What happened this Saturday leaves a powerful image of the old IMAX in full metamorphosis: planned demolition, no victims and with a wide-ranging display, as part of a project that seeks to bring activity back to an iconic space and open the door to a large musical theater in Madrid.