[MADRID] Torre Picasso | 157 m | Pioneer of the Modern Madrid Skyline

[Anna Klein]

Overview​

Torre Picasso is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in Madrid, located in the AZCA financial district. Completed in 1988, it was for many years the tallest building in Spain and remains a key feature of Madrid’s skyline. Designed by celebrated American architect Minoru Yamasaki, who also designed the original World Trade Center in New York, Torre Picasso introduced a new era of modern high-rise construction in Spain.

At a height of 157 meters (515 feet) and 43 floors, Torre Picasso stands as a landmark of international-style architecture and a symbol of Madrid’s late 20th-century economic development.

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History​

Conception and Construction​

In the late 1970s, Madrid sought to modernize its business infrastructure. Torre Picasso was commissioned by the American real estate firm GICSA and later acquired by Paseo de la Castellana SA.

• Architect: Minoru Yamasaki & Associates
• Construction Period: 1982–1988

Construction faced delays due to the economic challenges of the time, but when completed, Torre Picasso became a flagship of Madrid’s economic resurgence.

Ownership and Use​

Initially built as an office tower, Torre Picasso attracted major multinational companies and financial institutions. Today, it remains a prestigious business address and houses numerous international firms.

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Architectural Features​

• Height: 157 meters (515 feet)
• Floors: 43
• Architectural Style: International Style / Modernism
• Design Characteristics:
  • White façade with vertical emphasis
  • Aluminum and glass curtain wall
  • Symmetrical, rectangular form
  • Deep setbacks and plaza space at ground level
• Structural System:
  • Steel frame with concrete core
  • Designed to withstand seismic activity

The minimalist design, characteristic of Yamasaki’s work, conveys elegance and structural clarity.

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Cultural and Urban Impact​

• Skyline Symbol: Torre Picasso was the tallest building in Spain until 2007 and remains a symbol of Madrid’s internationalization.
• Architectural Innovation: Introduced American skyscraper techniques and aesthetics to Spanish architecture.
• Economic Landmark: Anchored the development of the AZCA district into a financial hub.

Torre Picasso’s significance lies not only in its height but in its contribution to transforming Madrid into a modern European capital.

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Timeline​

• 1978: Design commissioned
• 1982: Construction begins
• 1988: Official inauguration
• 2000s-Present: Continues to serve as a premier business address

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Location and Accessibility​

• Address: AZCA Complex, Paseo de la Castellana, Madrid, Spain
• Transport:
  • Metro: Santiago Bernabéu Station (Line 10)
  • Close proximity to Chamartín railway station
• Nearby Landmarks:
  • Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
  • Nuevos Ministerios

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Notable Comparisons​

• Cuatro Torres Business Area: Taller and more recent skyscrapers, but Torre Picasso remains the classic.
• Torres Blancas: Another modernist high-rise, but with organic forms versus Torre Picasso’s strict geometry.