Explore Madrid’s Galería de las Colecciones Reales
A brand new museum filled with treasures from Spain’s state-owned royal collection is set to open in Madrid at the end of this month.
Taking center stage on any itinerary of the city alongside the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza, and the Reina Sofía, the Galería de las Colecciones Reales will give visitors a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle afforded by Spain’s monarchy with a collection of 650 works that includes not just paintings by Velázquez, Goya, Caravaggio, Titian, and El Greco, but also tapestries, furniture, and even a section of Madrid’s original medieval wall built during the time of Al-Andalus.
A Very Different Museum for Spain
2023 is a great time to visit Spain for art enthusiasts. Not only are visitors getting in on significant celebrations, but they can also experience one of Europe’s most important museum openings in recent years.
Sitting just across from the Royal Palace, the Galería de las Colecciones Reales’s modern building drops down three floors to the Campo de Moro gardens, providing spectacular views across the river to the Casa de Campo park.
The director of the museum, Leticia Ruiz, explained why the award-winning building is remarkable: “As soon as the viewer enters the rooms, they are confronted with perspectives and views that change with the light. At sunset, the hallway and other spaces are lit with a beautiful intimate glow that casts geometric shadows.”
The lighting is not the only dynamic aspect of the museum. Drawing on a vast reserve of artworks, the display will change over time.
According to Ruiz, “It is going to be a very different museum compared to those we are used to, at least in Spain. It will have an extremely fluid format, offering a variety of items and displays for the public to discover.”
What’s on Display?
This museum stands out as it draws from the vast Patrimonio Nacional collection: treasures from Spain’s wealthy Hapsburg and Bourbon dynasties that fell into public hands during the brief Second Republic.
“There are masterpieces from all significant arts spanning almost five centuries of history, including exceptional pieces of furniture and embroidery from one of the best embroiderers of the early 18th century,” said Ruiz.
While the director mentioned it was difficult to select a single favorite, she expressed a fondness for a Velázquez painting. “The white horse without a rider generates an element of mystery, offering a different vision of the equestrian portraits of the great Spanish painter.”
The Velázquez painting is part of the Hapsburg collection on floor -1, which also features Caravaggio’s “Salome Receives the Head of John the Baptist,” along with works by Jusepe de Ribera, Titian, and El Greco.
On the same floor, in an adjacent room, are the remains of Madrid’s original city walls. Álvaro Soler, an archaeologist and chief curator of the Royal Armory, explained the significance of this exhibit: “The room is designed as a large showcase, providing insight into something essential for understanding the history of Madrid and why the Royal Palace is here.”
Soler refers to the city’s walls, constructed in the ninth century during the reign of Muhammad I of Córdoba and later concealed from view. The discovery of this section of fortified wall, which includes part of a defensive tower and a reconstructed gate, was so important that the museum’s opening was delayed.
Further down on Floor -2, visitors can explore the Royal Palace’s history, which was built over the charred remains of Madrid’s original Moorish fortress. Guests can enjoy works by Goya, along with tapestries, musical instruments, and furniture.
How to Plan a Visit
The museum is scheduled to open on June 28. Located across from the Royal Palace behind the Cathedral of the Almudena, the building can be entered from the Plaza de la Armeria or from Cuesta de la Vega. It will be open from 10am to 8pm Monday through Saturday and 10am to 7pm on Sundays and holidays.
Entrance will be free for the first few days and will be priced at €14 or €24 when combined with entrance to the Royal Palace. EU citizens, Latin American citizens, or residents in Spain can enter for free Monday to Thursday between 6pm and 8pm.
