Estación del Arte (Madrid Metro)
Estación del Arte, formerly known as Atocha, is a station on Line 1 of the Madrid Metro. It is located in the Centro district of Madrid, Spain, beneath the Plaza del Emperador Carlos V, also known as Plaza de Atocha.
The station was originally named Atocha after the nearby Atocha railway station (Estación de Atocha), which serves both commuter and long-distance trains. In 2016, the station was renamed Estación del Arte (Art Station) to reflect its proximity to Madrid's "Art Triangle," comprised of the Museo del Prado, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza.
The station's platforms are located directly below the street. Access is provided by multiple entrances around the Plaza del Emperador Carlos V. The station features displays and information related to the nearby art museums, aiming to promote cultural tourism. It provides convenient access for visitors to reach these key cultural institutions.
The renaming of the station was intended to enhance its identity as a gateway to Madrid's artistic heritage and improve wayfinding for tourists. The station plays a vital role in Madrid's public transportation network, facilitating movement between the city center and other parts of the metropolitan area.