Cerralbo Museum

Located in a beautiful and central XNUMXth-century mansion on Ventura Rodríguez street, the Cerralbo Museum is one of the most interesting in Madrid, although it is also one of the most unknown. Its collection of paintings, sculptures, tapestries, furniture, coins, watches, weapons or archaeological objects is considered one of the most important and complete private collections in Spain, with more than 50.000 pieces.

The palace of the Marquis of Cerralbo

This classicist-style palace-house decorated with neo-baroque and rococo elements belonged to the Marqués de Cerralbo and was conceived from the beginning as a home and museum. The family deposited here all the works of art that they collected during the many trips they made through Europe. Thus, the Cerralbo Museum houses more than 50.000 pieces that were donated by the family to the Spanish nation so that their collections would always remain together and serve for the study of art and science lovers.

What to see at the Cerralbo Museum?

This mansion is an ideal space to discover the way of life of the Spanish aristocracy of the late XNUMXth century, since It is one of the few examples where the original setting of the house is preserved so that visitors can see what life was like at the time.

Although it is not as well known as other museums in the capital, the Cerralbo Museum is an authentic gem since it is a delight to walk through its different rooms decorated as in ancient times while letting your imagination fly.

As soon as you enter, the wide portal and the beautiful marble staircase welcome the visitor. In the decoration of the entrance, the coat of arms with the emblem of the Cerralbo family stands out, as well as two precious tapestries made in Brussels and in Pastrana.

The main floor of the palace-house is the greatest of its treasures as it was dedicated to the family's receptions and parties and still retains its original decoration. Being destined for these purposes, its decoration is very luxurious since it was a reflection of the economic position of the Marquis.

On this floor you can see the gala dining room, the armory, the office, the ballroom or the bathroom, which had running water facilities so rare at that time.

On this floor we can also visit the Arab Room. This type of room was very fashionable in XNUMXth century Europe and was used as a leisure space for men dedicated to smoking. It is decorated with objects that come from countries as diverse as Morocco, Turkey, Japan, the Philippines, China or New Zealand. Another of the rooms that the knights used to meet inside the Cerralbo Museum is the Sala de las Columnitas. Here they dealt with issues related to politics and business.

The library was the place of study and intellectual meeting of the marquis. In this space there are volumes dating from the XNUMXth century on archeology, history, literature, travels and manuscripts. His collection of numismatics is one of the most important in Spain.

Likewise, the Cerralbo Museum has three galleries of great interest. The first collects the paintings of the ancestors of the marquis mixed with vases, clocks and consoles. In the center there is a display case with curious details such as the Golden Fleece with which it was awarded. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious chivalric orders in Europe that is closely linked to the Habsburg dynasty and the crowns of Austria and Spain.

The second gallery is eclectically ornamented with Italian furniture and a large canvas of "La Piedad" by Alonso Cano. Finally, the third gallery of the Cerralbo Museum has elegant desks and chests, marble busts and huge mirrors with gilt moldings to give more light to the gallery. A painting by El Greco, "Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy" decorates its walls.

On the mezzanine floor of the Cerralbo Museum is where the daily life of the family took place. This area with access to the garden does not have its original decoration but in it you can see different exhibits of interest. The garden is a reconstruction of the year 1995 because after the Civil War the original garden was completely destroyed. It features a temple-gazebo and a pond on which are reflected the sculptures of Roman gods and emperors that decorate the place. Painting workshops and other activities for children are organized here.

Hours and entrance to the Cerralbo Museum

Schedule

• Tuesday to Saturday: from 9:30 a.m. to 15:20 p.m. (Thursday until XNUMX:XNUMX p.m.).
• Sundays and holidays: from 10 am to 15 pm.
• Thursday: from 17 pm to 20 pm.
• Closed Monday.

Price of admission

• Adults: € 3
• Under 18, students under 25 and over 65: € 1,50
• Free admission: Saturdays from 14:00 p.m., Thursday from 17:00 p.m. to 20:00 p.m. and Sundays.

How to get to the Cerralbo Museum?

• Metro: Plaza of Spain (L2, L3, L10), Ventura Rodríguez (L3)
• Bus: 001, 1, 2, 3, 25, 39, 44, 46, 62, 74, 75, 133, 138, 148, C1, C2
• Train: Madrid-Principe Pio
• BiciMAD: Stations 14, 115, 116