Madrid boasts world-class art museums, incredible cuisine, vast parks, and Europe’s largest palace — but it’s the city’s welcoming spirit that truly sets it apart.
The Prado is one of the world’s most dazzling art museums, home to a sweeping collection of European works from the medieval period to the early modern era. Housed in an elegant building along Madrid’s Paseo del Prado, this cultural landmark forms the heart of the city’s “Golden Triangle of Art,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Inside, visitors flock to see celebrated masterpieces by Rubens, El Greco, Dürer, Raphael, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and Bruegel. Yet it’s the Spanish masters—especially Velázquez and Goya—who leave the strongest impression. Velázquez’s Las Meninas, with its enigmatic composition, and Goya’s haunting Black Paintings, mark pivotal moments in the history of Western art.
To truly appreciate the Prado, give yourself a full day and plan ahead. Rather than attempting to see everything, focus on a few key highlights using the museum map, allowing time to discover lesser-known treasures along the way.
Insider Tip: For a quieter moment, visit Room 51C on the ground floor. There, you’ll find rare 12th-century frescos from the Hermitage of San Baudelio, including Mozarabic works created by Christians under Islamic rule—an extraordinary glimpse into Spain’s layered past.
If You Have 30 Minutes:
Head straight to Las Meninas by Velázquez on the first floor. The five-year-old Infanta Margarita stands radiant at the center, but the real intrigue lies in the background: the artist himself, half-shrouded in shadow, and a mirror reflecting King Felipe IV and Queen Mariana. Surrounding works by El Greco, Rubens, Titian, and Jusepe de Ribera add depth to the room’s importance.
If You Have 90 Minutes:
After seeing Velázquez, go downstairs to encounter The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch. Surreal, bold, and deeply symbolic, this triptych offers a vivid vision of paradise, sin, and punishment. Along the way, admire Sofonisba Anguissola’s portrait of King Felipe II, Bruegel’s Triumph of Death, Dürer’s Adam and Eve, and Van der Weyden’s The Descent from the Cross.
If You Have Half a Day:
Combine the three top attractions: Las Meninas, The Garden of Earthly Delights, and Goya’s Black Paintings. Goya’s disturbing late works, created in isolation after a traumatic life, reflect a deep psychological rupture. Paintings like Saturn Devouring His Son and The Drowning Dog are raw, modern, and unforgettable. Before you leave, uplift your spirits with the luminous work of Joaquín Sorolla.
Originally intended as a science museum, construction began in 1785. After Napoleon’s troops occupied the unfinished building in 1808, the plan shifted. In 1819, King Fernando VII opened it to the public as the new home for Spain’s royal art collection.
Entry: €15 (special exhibitions included)
Guided Tour: Add €10
Audio Guide: €5
Free Entry: 6–8pm Mon–Sat, 5–7pm Sun (expect long queues)
Best times to visit: At opening (10am) or during the 3pm lull
Avoid lines: Book online at the official Prado website
App Note: The Prado Guide app is free to download, but key features require in-app purchases
Part of Madrid’s celebrated Golden Triangle of Art, the Museo Reina Sofía is a treasure trove of modern and contemporary art. With a strong focus on Spanish artists, its most famous resident is Picasso’s Guernica—a searing indictment of war that continues to captivate and unsettle viewers.
This iconic work anchors a broader narrative of 20th-century Spain, told through paintings, sculptures, photographs, and posters. Alongside Picasso, the museum highlights works by Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró, while international names such as Man Ray, Francis Bacon, and George Grosz also make an appearance.
The museum is housed in the imposing Edificio Sabatini, just off the Paseo del Prado. Attached to the rear is the striking Edificio Nouvel, a bold red modern extension that houses a library, shop, café, and exhibition spaces. The two structures frame Roy Lichtenstein’s Brushstroke, setting the tone for a museum that blends historical depth with avant-garde flair. Most visits begin in the Sabatini building, with Guernica on the second floor in Room 205.10.
Insider Tip:
On hot or rainy days, enter via the Edificio Nouvel. The covered courtyard and overhead canopy make queuing here far more comfortable.
If You Have 30 Minutes
Go directly to Guernica (Room 205.10). Created in under six weeks for the 1937 Paris World’s Fair, this massive black-and-white canvas depicts the bombing of Gernika during the Spanish Civil War. Around it, Picasso’s preliminary sketches intensify the experience—look out for the anguished horse, the weeping woman, and the dead child.
Just nearby, discover a striking contrast in Room 205.06: Un Mundo by Ángeles Santos. Painted at age 17, it stunned the Spanish art world in 1929. With a warped globe, angels, and stars, the surreal scene challenges interpretations and offers a female counterpoint to Picasso’s male-dominated narrative.
If You Have 1.5 Hours
Start your visit with the cubist works in Room 204.01, featuring Braque, Gris, and early Picasso. Then move through the surrealist collections in Rooms 205.15, where Dalí, Miró, Magritte, and Max Ernst invite you into dreamlike worlds.
If staying on the second floor, be sure to visit:
Picasso’s Woman in Blue (Room 201.2) – a striking early portrait
Dalí’s The Invisible Man (Room 206.03) – eerie and enigmatic
Miró’s Man with a Pipe (Room 206.02) – vivid and abstract
Note: The museum doesn’t group artists by name—check the website or wall maps to track down more of your favourites.
If You Have Half a Day
The Reina Sofía is more than an art museum—it’s a record of Spain’s social and political struggles. Alongside iconic works, the museum features propaganda posters, photographs, and documents chronicling the Spanish Civil War.
Room 208.02 explores the roots of the conflict
Room 205.5 presents a vivid wall of wartime posters
Room 400.01–400.05 on the fourth floor features lesser-known post-war Spanish artists like Joan Ponç and Pancho Cossío
Latin American art also has a presence here, including works by Diego Rivera (Room 405)
Though today it houses modern art, the Reina Sofía’s roots are older and darker. Originally a hospital in the 18th century, the building stood empty for decades before opening as a museum in 1990. During renovation, three mummified nuns were discovered in the old chapel—fueling stories of hauntings that linger to this day.
Tickets: €12 (one day), €18 (two-day access)
Free entry: Sundays 12:30–2:30pm, all other days 7–9pm (closed Tuesdays)
Free guided tours: 30-minute general tour or 90-minute Guernica tour
Navigation: No paper maps—download a digital version or use floor plans displayed onsite. Room numbers are key, so check the museum website to locate specific works.
Final Tip:
Reina Sofía offers a powerful blend of artistic brilliance and historical insight. Whether you’re here to marvel at Guernica or to explore the deeper currents of Spanish modernism, take your time—this museum rewards curiosity.
Once reserved for Spanish royalty, Parque del Buen Retiro became public in the late 19th century and has since served as a beloved green retreat for Madrileños. Spanning 292 acres (118 hectares), its name—meaning “pleasant retreat”—perfectly captures the atmosphere. On weekends, the park bursts into life with locals fencing, dancing, skating, cycling, and relaxing across its wide, tree-lined avenues.
Part of a UNESCO-listed landscape that includes the nearby Prado museums, Retiro offers visitors a full day’s worth of exploration. From rose gardens and hidden peacocks to art pavilions and historic monuments, it’s a place where nature, history, and culture meet.
Insider Tip:
For a quieter experience, explore the park’s eastern side. Highlights here include the recently reopened artificial mountain with city views, ruins of a medieval church, a former zoo, and a serene walled garden—home to a graceful muster of peacocks.
Enter via the Puerta de Felipe IV, near the Prado Museum, and stroll through the elegant Jardín Parterre, known for its symmetrical hedges and classical statues. Here stands the park’s most famous tree: the Ahuehuete, a centuries-old cypress brought from Mexico and a rare survivor of the Napoleonic invasion.
From here, follow the Paseo de las Estatuas, lined with statues of Spain’s monarchs, which leads you toward the central boating lake—Madrid’s own open-air royal promenade.
Begin at the Jardín Parterre and follow the Paseo de las Estatuas to reach the lively Estanque Grande, Retiro’s grand lake. Watch street performers, rent a rowboat, or sip a drink at a lakeside café while admiring the grand Monument to Alfonso XII.
Just south of the lake, spot the Fuente Egipcia, a faux-Egyptian fountain shrouded in myth—rumor has it that King Felipe IV’s treasure lies buried beneath the sphinxes. Continue to the nearby Palacio de Velázquez, part of the Reina Sofía Museum, which hosts free temporary exhibitions of modern art.
Explore deeper into the park to find the Palacio de Cristal, a magnificent glass pavilion built in 1887 to house exotic flora from the Philippines. Its beauty hides a darker past—Filipino natives were once displayed here in colonial-era “human zoos.” A 2021 exhibition by Filipino artist Kidlat Tahimik brought this history to light.
From here, stroll south to the La Rosaleda rose garden, designed in 1915 and blooming with over 4,000 roses in spring. Note: this section closes at 8pm, earlier than the rest of the park.
End your journey at El Ángel Caído (“The Fallen Angel”), the world’s only public statue dedicated to Lucifer. Created by Ricardo Bellver and inspired by Paradise Lost, it stands ominously at 666 meters above sea level—whether by design or coincidence remains a mystery.
Retiro Park was originally created as a spiritual haven for Catholic monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand. In the 17th century, King Felipe IV transformed it into a pleasure garden complete with palaces, theaters, and naval battle reenactments staged on the lake.
Of the original 20 buildings, only two remain: El Casón del Buen Retiro and Salón de Reinos, both now part of the Prado Museum. The rest were destroyed by Napoleonic forces who used the park for target practice. When Isabel II was deposed, the park became public, and much of its layout was redesigned. The northern section still retains traces of its royal legacy, including a fishing pavilion and the remnants of a royal zoo.
Opening Hours:
Open daily from 6am to 10pm (autumn/winter) and until midnight (spring/summer). May close during high winds.
Getting Around:
Rent bikes or scooters for easier exploration. Retiro Magic, just outside the park, offers Segway and guided bike tours in English.
Art Galleries:
Entry to Palacio de Cristal and Palacio de Velázquez is free, with rotating exhibits curated by the Reina Sofía Museum.
Whether you’re visiting for an hour or a whole day, Parque del Buen Retiro offers a refreshing blend of history, nature, and culture in the heart of Madrid.
Completing Madrid’s renowned Golden Triangle of Art along the Paseo del Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum offers a sweeping view of Western art history—from medieval religious icons to bold modernist statements. Nestled between the Prado and Reina Sofía, the Thyssen stands out for its breadth and accessibility, housing nearly 1,000 masterpieces from some of the greatest names in art: Dalí, Degas, Rembrandt, Renoir, Van Eyck, Van Gogh, and many more.
Unlike its grander neighbors, the Thyssen’s compact size allows visitors to take in a wide variety of artistic styles and movements—from the 13th to the 20th century—in a single visit, making it a perfect choice for those short on time but hungry for inspiration.
The museum’s origins trace back to August Thyssen, a 19th-century German industrialist who commissioned sculptures from Rodin. His son, Baron Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza, greatly expanded the collection in the early 20th century, acquiring iconic works like Van Eyck’s The Annunciation and Caravaggio’s Saint Catherine of Alexandria. To house his growing collection, he purchased the Villa Favorita in Lugano, Switzerland, where the art was displayed privately.
His son, Baron Hans Heinrich, later opened the Villa Favorita to the public and broadened the collection to include modern and avant-garde works. With the encouragement of his Spanish wife, Carmen Cervera, the Baron ultimately brought the core of his collection to Spain. In 1988, 775 works were loaned to the Spanish state and, five years later, sold for $350 million. Today, the museum also features works from Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza’s personal collection, still on loan to the museum.
Top Floor (Second Floor): Early to Baroque Art
Begin your visit at the top and work your way down chronologically. Highlights include:
13th–14th century religious panels from Italy, Germany, and Flanders
Room 11: El Greco, Tintoretto, Titian
Rooms 14–15: Spanish masters Zurbarán and Murillo
Rooms 19–21: Dutch and Flemish treasures by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck
Rooms A–H: The Carmen Thyssen Collection featuring Boudin, Canaletto, Courbet, Fragonard, Matisse, Picasso, and Renoir
First Floor: Impressionism & Post-Impressionism
A vibrant display of 19th-century French art, including:
Cézanne, Degas, Gauguin, Pissarro, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Van Gogh
Ground Floor: Modern & Contemporary Art
Here, 20th-century styles come alive with:
Cubism, Surrealism, Expressionism
Works by Picasso, Braque, Juan Gris, Paul Klee, Max Ernst, Miró, Chagall, Dalí
Modern icons like Lichtenstein and Jackson Pollock
This floor’s contrast between medieval spirituality and modern abstraction highlights the evolution of Western creativity.
Short on time? Opt for one of the museum’s thematic tours, which take you on curated routes focused on themes like love, food, wine, fashion, and sensuality.
True to its motto, “Everyone’s Museum”, the Thyssen hosts temporary exhibitions, family-friendly programs, open-air concerts, and offers free entry on Monday afternoons, making it one of Madrid’s most inclusive cultural spaces.
After your tour, unwind with a drink or coffee in the courtyard café or on the outdoor terrace, perfect for relaxing amid artistic conversation.
Full access ticket: €13
With audio guide: €18
Free entry: Mondays from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, year-round
Book online: thyssenbornemisza.museum
Pro tip: Book in advance—weekends can get busy
Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or a curious traveler, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum offers a rich, well-paced experience that connects you with the diverse expressions of art across centuries—all in one unforgettable visit.
Towering over the ancient neighborhood of La Latina, the Basílica de San Francisco el Grande is one of Madrid’s most striking religious and artistic landmarks. With its richly decorated chapels and sacristy, the basilica blends Catholic tradition with Spanish artistic brilliance. Its crowning feature is the great dome—a breathtaking 33 meters in diameter and 58 meters high—making it the largest dome in Spain and the fourth largest in Europe, after St. Peter’s Basilica and the Pantheon in Rome, and Florence’s Santa Maria del Fiore.
While still an active place of worship, the basilica also functions as a museum, showcasing masterworks by great Spanish painters—most notably Francisco Goya’s St. Bernardino of Siena preaching to Alfonso V of Aragon.
The roots of the basilica trace back to 1214, when legend says Saint Francis of Assisi built a small shelter for himself and his companions near an old hermitage on this site during his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Over time, this humble site grew into a prominent religious complex.
By the 18th century, the original structure was demolished to make way for a grand new church, designed by Fray Francisco Cabezas. His circular vision featuring a massive dome was initially halted due to disputes over its design. Under King Carlos III, construction resumed under Francesco Sabatini, the famed Italian architect behind several of Madrid’s landmarks. The basilica was finally consecrated in 1784, and in 1963, it was elevated to the status of Basilica Minor by Pope John XXIII.
Stepping inside, visitors are immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of grandeur and devotion. The basilica’s Neoclassical architecture forms the backbone of the structure, while its six side chapels offer a mosaic of Baroque, Byzantine, Renaissance, and Rococo styles.
Each chapel is a mini-museum, adorned with oil paintings, gilded altars, sculpted cherubs, and marble inlay. Biblical frescoes fill the dome, while sculptures of apostles and prophets watch silently from their niches.
A standout is the Chapel of St. Bernardino of Siena, which features Goya’s masterpiece, painted in 1781. Look closely: Goya included a subtle self-portrait in the scene—he’s the man in yellow, gazing out from the right side of the painting.
While entry during morning Mass is free, those with a deeper interest in art and history should purchase a €5 ticket (available Tuesday to Friday) to visit the museum and sacristy. Inside, you’ll find:
49 large paintings illustrating the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, by Spanish masters like Alonso Cano, Francisco Zurbarán, and José Moreno Carbonero
Richly carved wooden furniture, gold candelabras, and painted ceilings that reflect the grandeur of the Spanish Catholic tradition
The ante-sacristy, a vivid red room where mirrors reflect the ceiling’s central medallion, The Triumph of the Church, sparing you a neck cramp and adding a touch of Baroque theatricality
Guided tours in Spanish are included in the ticket price and provide valuable context to the art and architecture.
The basilica sits in the southwest corner of La Latina, Madrid’s oldest district. Its strategic location makes it a perfect stop on a Sunday stroll. Pair your visit with:
A morning at El Rastro, Madrid’s legendary flea market
A tapas crawl along Cava Baja, a street known for its traditional bars and buzzing atmosphere
Mass Entry: Free during morning services
Museum Entry: €5 (Tue–Fri, includes Spanish tour)
Location: Plaza de San Francisco, La Latina, Madrid
Insider Tip: No flash photography inside, but don’t miss the self-portrait in Goya’s fresco!
Whether you’re drawn by faith, art, or history, the Basílica de San Francisco el Grande offers a rich and unforgettable encounter with the soul of Spanish heritage.
Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is one of Spain’s most iconic and atmospheric arenas—an architectural marvel that has seen everything from motocross competitions to Beatles concerts. But above all, it is revered (and contested) as the symbolic “Cathedral of Bullfighting”, the spiritual home of Spain’s most controversial tradition.
Located just east of central Madrid, Las Ventas features a grand Mudéjar-style façade and a vast public square. Its coliseum-like bullring seats over 23,000 spectators, making it the largest in Spain and one of the largest in the world. Bullfighting season runs from mid-May to September, with daily fights held during the San Isidro Festival in May. For those seeking to understand this polarizing practice more deeply, the Museo Taurino (Bullfighting Museum)—tucked behind the arena—offers a rich dive into the sport’s history and culture.
Officially named Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas del Espíritu Santo, the arena draws its nickname “Las Ventas” from the old taverns (ventas) that once dotted the area.
1929: Construction completed
1931: Inaugural charity bullfight held
1936–1939: Civil War and urban renewal delayed its full operation
1939: Official re-inauguration after cleanup and expansion
Beyond bullfighting, Las Ventas has hosted operas, rock concerts, weddings, circuses, and car shows. It was here, in 1965, that The Beatles played their first-ever Spanish concert. Over the years, it has welcomed global stars like Prince, Sting, and B.B. King.
Las Ventas is steeped in tradition and spectacle:
Puerta Grande (Doorway to Eternal Glory): This grand arched entrance is where triumphant matadors are carried out on the shoulders of fans. It’s a rite of passage for any bullfighter dreaming of lasting fame.
Statues & Monuments:
Outside, you’ll find bronzes of legendary toreros like Antonio Bienvenida and José “El Yiyo” Cubero, the latter tragically killed at just 21.
In a unique tribute, there’s also a statue of Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming, honored by bullfighters for discovering penicillin, which saved countless lives in the ring. A nearby matador statue tips its hat in gratitude.
Seating & Sections: The arena is divided into ten tendidos (sections), with seating categorized by sunlight:
Sombra (shade): most expensive
Sol (sun): least expensive
Sol y sombra: mid-range
Tendido 7 (sun): home to the most diehard aficionados
Located in the Patio de Caballos, the Museo Taurino is free to enter and offers an in-depth look at the evolution of bullfighting.
Museum highlights include:
Trajes de Luces (Suits of Lights): Dazzling capes and costumes worn by famous matadors, including the pink and gold outfit of the legendary Manolete, who died in the ring in 1947.
Goya’s La Tauromaquia: A series of haunting etchings by Francisco Goya, capturing the drama and brutality of the bullring.
Papal Bull: A framed copy of the 1567 decree by Pope Pius V, banning Catholic participation in bullfights under threat of excommunication and denial of Christian burial—an early indictment of the practice’s dangers.
Guided Tours: Take a walk on the sand, stand in the royal box, and explore behind the scenes. Tours are offered in English and Spanish and must be booked in advance via the Las Ventas Tour website.
Museum Entry: Free of charge
Location: Calle de Alcalá, 237, 28028 Madrid
Best Time to Visit: May (San Isidro Festival) or during the summer bullfighting season
Whether you’re fascinated by its cultural heritage, curious about its controversial traditions, or simply eager to experience one of Madrid’s grandest arenas, Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas remains an enduring symbol of Spanish identity—complex, captivating, and ever evolving.
Tucked away in the Cuartel de la Montaña Park near Plaza de España, the Templo de Debod is one of Madrid’s most astonishing landmarks — and one of the few authentic Egyptian temples located outside of Egypt. Over 2,200 years old, this serene monument was originally built on the banks of the Nile, yet now stands proudly in Spain’s capital as a lasting symbol of international cooperation and cultural preservation.
Despite its dramatic relocation, the temple is no theme-park replica. It was dismantled, shipped, and reassembled stone by stone, preserving its original east-to-west orientation — a detail sacred in Egyptian temple design.
The Temple of Debod was originally constructed near the First Cataract of the Nile, south of Aswan in Nubia. It began as a small chapel dedicated to Amun and Isis, commissioned around 220 BCE by King Adijalamani of Meroë. Successive Ptolemaic rulers and Roman emperors including Augustus and Hadrian expanded the site, eventually leaving behind a layered testament to centuries of worship and imperial patronage. However, the temple was abandoned for over 1,200 years following Nubia’s conversion to Christianity.
In the 1960s, the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge Nubia’s ancient monuments under rising waters. In response, UNESCO launched an international campaign to save them. Spain answered the call, contributing to the rescue of several temples, including the magnificent Abu Simbel.
In gratitude, the Egyptian government gifted the Temple of Debod to Spain in 1968. After a careful two-year reconstruction, the temple opened to the public in 1972, forever linking Madrid to the legacy of ancient Egypt.
The temple now rests atop Parque de la Montaña, a hill steeped in Spanish history. It was here, during the Dos de Mayo Uprising of 1808, that Napoleon’s troops executed hundreds of Spanish rebels — a massacre immortalized in Francisco Goya’s painting, “The Third of May 1808.” Today, the tranquil temple and its reflecting pools offer a powerful counterpoint to the site’s violent past, transforming it into a peaceful gathering place for sunset watchers, picnickers, and yoga groups.
Visitors enter through two standalone stone gateways, leading to the Vestibule of Augustus, the Chapel of Adijalamani, and the Naos Vestibule. The most significant space is the Adijalamani Chapel — the temple’s oldest section — where you’ll find beautifully preserved reliefs of the Meroë king offering gifts to the gods. Though modest in size, the temple’s rich detail and intimate setting offer a powerful glimpse into Egypt’s spiritual and artistic traditions.
One of the most breathtaking experiences in Madrid is watching the sunset behind the Temple of Debod. The golden hour light bathes the ancient stones, and the reflections in the surrounding pools make it a dream for photographers and romantics alike. The site also offers panoramic views of western Madrid, including the Casa de Campo, Royal Palace, and Almudena Cathedral.
Opening Hours:
Entry is free of charge, but visits are limited to individuals only, not groups.
To protect the monument, visits are capped at 30 minutes per person.
Opening times may vary, especially on holidays or for maintenance, so it’s best to check the official tourism website before visiting.
Location: Cuartel de la Montaña Park, near Plaza de España, easily accessible by metro or on foot from Gran Vía.
Whether you’re a lover of ancient history, a seeker of hidden gems, or simply chasing Madrid’s best sunset spot, the Templo de Debod offers a rare and rewarding encounter with the past — all within walking distance of the city’s modern heart.
Tucked away in the elegant Salamanca district, the Museo Lázaro Galdiano is housed in a stately early 20th-century Italianate mansion. Once the private residence of Don José Lázaro Galdiano (1862–1947), a prominent publisher and art patron, the museum now showcases one of Madrid’s most surprising and valuable art collections. With nearly 13,000 pieces in total and around a quarter on display at any given time, it offers a rich experience for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Donated to the Spanish state upon Galdiano’s death, the collection includes a diverse array of works: paintings, sculptures, jewelry, weaponry, rare books, and decorative arts. The museum reflects both Galdiano’s eclectic taste and his commitment to preserving Spain’s cultural heritage.
The museum is known for its remarkable breadth and depth. It features works by Spanish and European masters, including Zurbarán, Murillo, Claudio Coello, El Greco, Hieronymus Bosch, Lucas Cranach, and John Constable. Room 11 contains a painting attributed to Diego Velázquez, while Room 13 is dedicated entirely to Francisco de Goya. The ceiling in Room 14 displays a collage of Goya’s iconic works, including La maja desnuda, La maja vestida, and scenes from the frescoes of San Antonio de la Florida.
Ground floor: Offers insight into Galdiano’s personal life and collecting habits, featuring global curiosities such as ceramics, weapons, bronzes, and furniture.
First floor: Focuses on Spanish art, displayed around the central ballroom beneath elaborately frescoed ceilings.
Second floor: Showcases Italian, Flemish, French, and English artworks, with several noteworthy pieces from lesser-known European masters.
Top floor: Displays ephemera, textiles, and rare objects, including finely crafted fabrics and accessories in Room 24.
Each room is thoughtfully presented with bilingual labels in English and Spanish. Historical photos of the rooms as they appeared during Galdiano’s lifetime offer an immersive experience and a glimpse into the past.
Originally from Navarra, Galdiano moved to Madrid in his youth and became a significant cultural figure. He was a strong supporter of the Museo del Prado during World War I and was deeply invested in preserving Spanish art, often acquiring pieces at risk of being lost to foreign buyers. During the Spanish Civil War, he lived in exile but continued collecting. Upon his return, he founded the Lázaro Galdiano Foundation, which now manages the museum in his former home.
Location: Calle de Serrano 122, Madrid
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
Free entry: Sundays from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Tickets: Available at the entrance or online through the museum’s website
Extras: A small bookstore and café are available on-site for visitors
The Museo Lázaro Galdiano is an ideal destination for those looking to explore a refined and personal art collection away from the crowds. Its peaceful setting, wide-ranging exhibits, and historic charm make it one of Madrid’s most rewarding cultural stops.
