Museums, Madrid

One of the most innovative museums of Madrid could be found in the impressive building that once formed the military quarters of Conde Duque; quite a neat usage of military resources, if you ask me. The admission is completely free, and the carefully choose cultural selection makes it an indispensable visit, imho. Besides, Conde Duque area is quickly becoming one of the most interesting in Madrid, less touristy that La Latina or Huertas, but offering some of the best bars and restaurants of the city.

This brand new museum (opened just 1 year ago) offers a collection of contemporary spanish art, authors of the 2nd half of the 20th century, like Arroyo, Gordillo, OukaLele, Saura... plus a temporary exhibition on graphic art.

It is located in the Cuartel del Conde Duque (c/ Conde Duque, 9), near Plaza de España, and you can enter by the main gate, in front of the little square "Guardias de Corps".

Free entrance

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Painter Sorolla used to live at this building that now houses the museum with his collection. It was great to visit the museum. First of all, the gardens outside are amazing (pic 1), great for some relaxing moments. Inside you can see some great paintings (most of them based on water themes but in general a peaceful feeling comes to me). There are many different thematic periods thoughts and his style changed a lot. He is famous for the impressionist landscapes. Some of the rooms are just like they used to be when Sorolla lived here.

There is a second small part of the museum with several items he had in his collection from travels etc.
The museum is closed on Mondays. The other days 9:30-15:00. The entrance fee is only 2.40euro, free on sundays

Address: paseo del General Martínez Campos, 37

if you take the metro stop at Ruben Dario or Gregorio Maranon

I would not list the Real Academia de Bellas Artes des San Fernando has a must see in your tour of Madrid but it is worth a quick visit.
The museum is for the most part devoted to the works by Spanish artist. Goya, Riberia and Zurbaran. There are two rooms in which foriegn artists like Rubens are represented. Overall the works are sort of hit or miss. There really are not that many strong pieces here but as I said there are enough to make a visit worth while. If you are in Madrid for just a short stay then it probably could be missed without a serious loss.
The musuem is c/Alcala 13 northeast of the Puerta del Sol. The museum was just a short walk from my hotel which was one of the reasons why I dropped in on it.

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Weird location for a museum, that's for sure!!
Under a busy bridge I was confused to find this open air museum. In fact, under the bridge you can see some sculptures (some good, some boring) of artists like A.Alfaro, J.Maria Subirachs, Am.Gabino etc. There is no entrance fee of course but it’s nice to visit if it happens to walk this part of Madrid (I was on my way to Sorolla museum)

address:Paseo de la Castellana,

Take metro to Ruben Dario station or buses 14, 27, 40

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The beautiful 3 floor mansion from the 19th century houses more than 5000 items that Jose Lazaro Galdiano(1862-1947) had in his collection. I didn’t know what was about so I was surprised looking at ancient items when I got inside in some of the rooms and then items from 20th century at other rooms. I got bored with the furniture items but some jewelry, royal seals, crystal from Limoges and ceramics were interesting to see. There are also paintings from Goya, Velazquez, El Greco and others. I also liked he beautiful murals of the ceilings.

Ok, most of the tourists prefer museums like Prado, Reina Sofia etc so here you will be almost alone with all the time and space to enjoy the collection. At least that’s what I did…
The library has dozens of books and magazines but I didn’t have time for that.

The museum is open Wednesday-Monday 10:00-16:30. It’s closed on Tuesday and the entrance fee is 4 euro.

The shop of the museum hasn’t anything interesting.

address:calle Serano 122

If you take the metro stop at Ruben Dario or Gregorio Maranon. You have to walk for 6 minutes. Also by buses 9, 12, 16, 19, 51

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The Juan March Institute is a modern building that houses a scientific center but from time to time several interesting art exhibitions take place here. They also publish books (more than 380). Even if there isn’t any temporary exhibition you can see the sculptures outside of the building.

It's located at calle de Castello 77. take metro to station Nunez de Balboa

Joaquín Sorolla (1863-1923) captured inside his paintings all the light of the Mediterranean Sea as no other artist after or before him. While contemplating his coastal scenes, is impossible not to feel lost inside its radiant turquoise blues.

During his latter days, this Valencia born painter moved to Madrid, where he built the beautiful house that nowadays holds the mayor collection of his artistic works. Apart from the excellent paintings, the whole house has a clear Mediterranean charm. Admission cost 2,4 €.

In the Castellana avenue, under the bridge of the street Juan Bravo you can find this little collection of sculpture, mostly from spanish 60's artists (Chillida...). A good option to visit on sunday afternoons, when all other museums are closed.
Metro Ruben Dario

Believe it or not this was the first museum I visited in Madrid. This fine museum is dedicated to Spain's military heritage throught out the ages. It has a very good collection armor, weaponry and maps. Some people may find its political leaning to the right somewhat offensive. There are some exhibits that are quite proud of Spain's Fascist past.