Madrid is visited by millions of tourists every year. The charming Spanish capital has a wide variety of world-renowned museums. However, today you will discover some hidden little treasures that this incredible city possesses.
Activity/Places highlight
Madrid is characterized by having the best museums in Europe. Art lovers explore every small and intimate place in the city to enjoy the first level collections. Museums such as the Reina Sofía Art Center, the Prado Museum, the famous Artistic Mile and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
These are places that all tourists visit because they are recognized worldwide and contain the densest concentration of the planet of great paintings. Although there are large and famous museums, there are also some less known that exhibit incredible collections impossible to resist.
Sorolla Museum
So, head from the north end of the Paseo del Prado, and travel about 30 minutes along the Paseo de la Castellana. This will take you to the Sorolla Museum, a beautiful old house and the studio of the best impressionist painter in Spain, Joaquín Sorolla. It is located on General Martínez Campos Avenue. It is known for its wonderful and charming seascapes and the beach with sunlight. Sorolla was a great teacher with the light.
On the other hand, the Lázaro Galdiano Foundation Museum is located in the former home of the financier and publisher, José Lázaro Galdiano. This is characterized by its large collection of ivory and enamel. In addition, it also has the works of Hieronymus Bosch, El Greco, Zurbarán, Murillo and the most famous engravings of Goya.
Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando
Located on Calle Alcalá, near the Puerta del Sol, this academy houses an incredible and amazing collection of works with 500 years old Spanish painting. From José de Ribera y Murillo to Sorolla. In addition, of course, to have Goya as the star of the show, which is represented by a dozen paintings and self-portraits. Open only from 10am to 3pm.
In addition, near the door of the sun, you can also hire the Monastery of the Barefoot Royals. This 16th-century monastery is full of great works by incredible masters such as Brueghel, Titian, and Zurzuban.
How to get there
In Madrid, there are two airports. As far as distance is concerned, the Sorolla Museum and the Lázaro Galdiano Museum are closer to the Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). From the airport, you can take line 8 of the subway about 40 minutes or by car for about 15 minutes.
On the other hand, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts and the Monastery of the Barefoot Royals are closer to the Madrid – Cuatro Vientos Airport (MCV). You can take line 10 of the subway at 30 minutes, also, a car at 16 minutes.
When to go
From October to June they are the best months in Madrid when temperatures are low, dry and fresh air and the sun is welcome.
How long
Walking is the way to get around the city. The distances that may seem too long are surprisingly manageable on foot, so take your time to get to know and explore the streets, in addition, to admire all the small museums that you add to your tour. Take at least 3 or 4 days, one for each place.
Opening and Closing hours
- Sorolla Museum: Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. On the other hand, Sundays and holidays open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed on January 1, December 24, 25 and 31.
- Lázaro Galdiano Museum: Open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, it does not open on Mondays or holidays. Closed on May 1; August 15th; November 1st; December 24, 25 and 31.
- Royal Academy of Fine Arts: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., including holidays. August month closed.
- Monastery of the Barefoot Royals: From Tuesday to Saturday. In the morning: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. While in the afternoon: 16: 00 – 18:30. Sundays and holidays. 10:00 – 15:00
It is important to know that none of the mentioned museums work on Mondays.
Planning
All museums have the option to buy tickets online. Select the number of tickets, date and time of the visit and go. This is a benefit because you avoid the queues at the entrance. However, you can also purchase tickets at the box office. The rates are between 3 and 7 euros. Museums have promotions for groups and families. In some places, admission for children, for the elderly and for the disabled is free.
Inside Information
Bring good walking shoes and light and warm clothes. The air at 2,100 feet (640 m) The plateau (central plateau of Spain) is dry, so bring lip balm and skin cream (sun cream for high altitudes).
History
The first time the theme of creating an arts academy came up, it was Antonio Meléndez in 1726. He proposed creating a place to store and exhibit all the paintings, sculptures and architecture of Spain. However, it was not until 1741, it lasted only 3 years. After this attempt, they reinforced the ideas and on April 12, under a royal decree, they created the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.
Websites
- www.madridcard.com
- www.gomadrid.com
Other Nearby Attraction
Without a doubt, you cannot say that you visited Madrid if you did not go to Puerta del Sol. This is a beautiful square, the most important in Madrid and one of the most important in Spain. It is an icon for local people and also the main attraction of tourists. This is the first stop because from the square you can make and observe different places that are around. You can see the Royal House of Posts, in it operates the presidency of the government of the Community of Madrid. In addition, in its structure, it has a great world-famous clock, which plays the bell at 12 am every year-end. Also, it has many statues inside the square. Do not forget to take a photo at kilometer 0, this is the point where Spanish radial roads begin.
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