The Telefónica Building, in Spanish Edificio Telefónica, is a skyscraper in Madrid, Spain. It is situated in Gran Vía 28.
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The Telefónica Building was designed by Ignacio de Cárdenas, who conceived it after a previous study of Lewis S. Weeks in Manhattan. Even though the building is of American inspiration, Cárdenas touch can be felt in its churrigueresque exterior ornamentation, a nod to Madrid Baroque architecture.
Its construction lasted from 1926 to 1929. The workforce was composed of more than 1000 workers and the final cost added up to 32 million pesetas (less than 200.000 euros). It became the first skyscraper in Europe.[1] It also held the Madrid height record by surpassing the Palacio de la Prensa, which it maintained until it was overtaken in 1953 by the Edificio España.[2]
During the Spanish Civil War it was used as an observatory by the Republican forces to watch the whereabouts of Francoist troops. This reason, and the fact of being the Office of Foreign Press, made it a target of bombings during the war. Ernest Hemingway and John Dos Passos sent their reports from inside the premises.[3]
The Telefonica Building rises to 89 meters. It comprises 14 high-ceiling floors plus a basement, a semibasement and a central tower, which is currently topped by mobile communication antennas. It can be seen from many places in Madrid centre, and its red lit clock has become a landmark at dusk and night. It prevails as the tallest building in Gran Vía, with the exception of Edificio España at the end of Gran Vía.
It currently hosts the "Telefónica Flagship Store".
Since November 2009 the Telefónica Building has closed its doors with the purpose of opening a new Museum of Telecommunications during 2010. The first two floors will host a telecomms shopping mall, another storey will show a Technological Museum plus an auditorium. Another two extra floors will be used for exhibitions, and the rest of the floors will be office space.