La Ballena Alegre
A restored private space in central Madrid for meetings, celebrations and corporate gatherings.
Welcome to the Ballena Alegra
Welcome to the Ballena Alegra
After a full restoration, La Ballena Alegre has reopened. If you’re comparing an events room in Madrid, this is a distinctive, character-rich option in the city centre.
Inspired by the modern cafés of 1930s Europe, La Ballena Alegre served as a salon for writers, musicians and thinkers during Spain’s Second Republic.
Decorated with historic murals by Spanish painter Hipólito Hidalgo de Caviedes Gómez (1902-1994)
Rich in History
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Rich in History
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Rich in History
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Rich in History
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Rich in History
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Rich in History
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Rich in History
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Rich in History
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Welcome to the Ballena Alegre.
A heritage room in the heart of Madrid.
Ballena Alegre is The James Joyce Madrid’s lower-ground private room. This characterful space blends the warmth of an Irish hospitality venue with the atmosphere of one of Madrid’s more intriguing historic interiors.
Distinct from the bustle of the main pub upstairs, it offers a more intimate setting for private dining, drinks receptions, meetings and celebrations, with a mood that feels both welcoming and quietly distinctive.
What sets La Ballena Alegre apart is its sense of heritage. The room draws on the historic spirit of old Madrid and creates an atmosphere that invites people to slow down, gather, and enjoy the occasion around them, as many did in the past.
La Ballena Allegre
The story behind Ballena Alegre (The Happy Whale)
Immerse yourself in history at La Ballena Alegre, the James Joyce Irish pub in Madrid. Once the site of some of the city’s most influential literary and political gatherings, this unique space now offers an unforgettable atmosphere for meetings, events, or private celebrations.
La Ballena Alegre is located beneath the original Café Lion, a renowned intellectual hub that opened in 1931 on Calle de Alcalá. Decorated with murals by the acclaimed Spanish painter Hipólito Hidalgo de Caviedes Gómez (1902-1994), the space still houses the artist’s original figurative works. These same walls witnessed the conversations of literary giants such as Federico García Lorca, Miguel Hernández, Pablo Neruda, and members of the Generation of ’27.
Inspired by the modernism of 1930s Europe, La Ballena Alegre served as a salon for writers, musicians and thinkers during Spain’s Second Republic.
Yes, options depend on the style of event. Enquire with group size and preferences.
It may be required for larger bookings, but not always.
For peak dates and group events, earlier is better-send your preferred date/time and we’ll confirm options.
Not always. The Ballena Alegre room may be open for general use or reserved for private events, depending on the schedule.
Find us
Ballena Alegre at The James Joyce
- Metro: Banco de España (L2) / Retiro
- Cercanías: Recoletos
- Cerca de: Parque del Retiro / zona del Prado
