At the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, we can see George Grosz’s *Metropolis*, whose critique of urban dehumanisation still resonates today in the face of the challenges of sustainability and environmental balance.
I leave SLEEP'N Atocha, cross over to the Paseo del Prado and walk towards the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the former 18th-century Palacio de Villahermosa. It was later converted into a museum by Rafael Moneo, whilst retaining its palatial character. In 2004, the museum expanded its premises to include the Goyeneche and Guaqui palaces, blending history and modernity in a design that encompasses two hundred years of history.
Having admired its imposing façade, I must take a moment to prepare myself for what I am about to witness. I cross the hall towards the permanent collection on the first floor. Here, situated to one side, I come across an image that screams, a work that is loud without making a sound.
George Grosz’s *Metropolis* (1916–1917) reflects the despair and chaos that characterised Europe during the First World War. At a time of apparent progress, when modernity was rising from the ruins of a world at war, Grosz’s painting reveals the alienation of a city caught between opulence and misery.
The frenzied crowd, depicted as grotesque and distorted figures, advances through an urban landscape where light and shadow merge with the imposing buildings. The oil painting leads the viewer through crowded streets that speak of the existential void of a society consuming itself. The figures hide behind anonymity, caught between anguish and guilt; they wander aimlessly, reflecting the disillusionment of an era marked by
the horror of war.
In this fusion of Futurism, Cubism and Expressionism, Grosz captures not only the urban landscape, but also the human crisis in the face of modernity—a reflection that resonates across the ages.
At a time when the world is facing new challenges, including those of sustainability and the relationship between urban life and the environment, Grosz’s reflection on dehumanisation in cities takes on new relevance. Today, more than ever, it is vital to question how we build our cities, seeking a balance between progress and respect for the environment.
After immersing myself in Grosz’s profound work, it was time for my well-deserved rest, so I made my way back to SLEEP’N Atocha, located just a 15-minute walk from the Thyssen Museum, where they offer a comfortable and modern stay. Perfect for those wishing to explore the city in a relaxed and responsible way, in an environment that promotes sustainability and wellbeing.
-by Connaisseur Mr Paco
