Literary Cabinet

The Gabinete Literario, located in Plaza de Cairasco, is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved historic buildings in the capital of Gran Canaria. It is recognised as a Historic Artistic Monument of interest to the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands and is also listed as a Site of Cultural Interest.

Designed in a Modernist style with neoclassical elements, the building stands on the former site of the Convent of the Poor Clares and originally housed the city’s first theatre, Teatro Cairasco. The Gabinete Literario society, founded in 1844, initially settled in the theatre and later acquired ownership of the building.

At the end of the 19th century, both the interior and exterior underwent major renovations. The main façade was designed by architects Fernando Navarro and Rafael Massanet. Inside, the building features a grand staircase leading to the second floor and the former ballroom, the Salón Dorado, a monumental French-style space. On this same floor, the Meifrén Hall displays a collection of oil paintings by the Catalan painter Eliseo Meifrén Roig. The hall on the first floor corresponds to what was once the stalls of the old theatre.

Since its foundation, the Gabinete Literario has played a leading role in the literary, cultural and scientific development of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Today, it continues to offer a permanent programme of cultural activities and events, and its facilities have also served as a filming location for notable national and international productions.

Services:
Library, reading room, art room, restaurant. Rental of rooms for events.

• Virtual Tour of the Literary Cabinet