GMP Architekten wraps Bernabéu in stainless steel for €1bn renovation
GMP Architekten, with L35 and Ribas & Ribas, completed a €1 billion renovation of the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, transforming the nearly 80-year-old stadium for 24/7 commercial use. The original concrete structure was wrapped in stainless steel louvres to create a striking image for Real Madrid. A retractable roof and a retractable pitch stored in an underground greenhouse enable concerts and events without damaging the turf. A 150-meter-long museum bridge, restaurants, a brewery, Starbucks, and the Bernabéu Market gastronomic district generate revenue daily. The stadium will host matches in the 2030 World Cup across Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
Key facts
- Renovation cost over €1 billion.
- Stadium originally opened in 1947.
- New facade features stainless steel louvres.
- Retractable pitch stored in underground greenhouse due to tight urban site.
- Retractable roof added for concerts and events.
- New museum built as a 150-meter-long cantilevered bridge.
- Museum entry around €35; only Museo del Prado has more visitors in Spain.
- Stadium to host 2030 World Cup games.
Entities
Artists
- Martin Glass
- Marcus Bredt
- Jack Bedford
Institutions
- GMP Architekten
- L35
- Ribas & Ribas
- Real Madrid
- Dezeen
- Museo del Prado
- Starbucks
Locations
- Madrid
- Spain
- London
- Germany
- Portugal
- Morocco
- Argentina
- Uruguay
- Paraguay
Sources
- Dezeen —