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 Sub-Saharan traditions |
Calle De Madrid 101 Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 415 2412 http://www.combonianos.com/museo/ museoafricano@combonianos.com |
You can get a glimpse of what life is like in Sub-Saharan African countries such as Zaire, Ethiopia, Uganda, Sudan and Cameroon through this museum's displays of everyday objects, including clothing, jewellery, musical instruments, wooden and ivory carvings, masks, weapons, charms and tools. The objects were collected over the years by missionaries led by Daniel Comboni, who was beatified in 1996. Documentary evidence like political and economical statistics, maps, photographs and scale-models are also exhibited in order to put the the collected objects in context. Admission: free (guided visit included) Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Peoples & races |
Calle De Alfonso XII 68 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 530 6418 |
Different ethnic groups and civilizations from around the world are described and explained through displays of their everyday objects, clothes, weapons and ceremonial practices. The collections are divided into geographical areas, with rooms devoted to the Philippines (the most important), Asia (Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic artefacts), Africa (tribal artefacts from north and south) and America (with exhibits collected during the 1862-65 Pacific Expedition). The building itself is an official heritage site. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dippingmytoes |
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Remains from pre-history to the 19th century |
Serrano, 13 Madrid, Madrid 28001 Spain +34 91 577 7912 doc@man.es |
It contains thousands of pre-historic artefacts and remains from the ancient civilizations based in Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Egypt. One of the highlights is the museum's reproduction of the Altamira caves in northern Spain with their fascinating pre-historic cave paintings (open 11a-midday & 5:30-6:30p). There's a research library as well as video and slide-show facilities. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Recuerdos Desconcert  |
 Photo: Allan Lam |
 Photo: Stephan Burn |
 Photo: Serenity Forbes |
 Photo: Alba Vallejo |
 Photo: Paul Blockley |
 Intellectual Hub |
Calle Prado 21 Madrid 28014 Spain +34 914 296 251 http://www.ateneodemadrid.com/ |
Built in 1835 by liberal intellectuals, the Ateneo is one of Madrid's main centers for cultural activities. It was frequented by Pio Baroja and other famous writers. Containing one of the best periodical collections and libraries in Madrid, it also host exhibitions and other events throughout the year. See their website for a full calendar of events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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All you need to know about beer |
Calle de Génova 21 Madrid, Madrid 28004 Spain +34 91 319 5134 http://www.lafabricamuseodelac... |
These three venues are called museums but they still function normally as bars and restaurants. In that sense, they are truly interactive. The one on Calle Génova displays a collection of bottles, cans, labels and other beer-related paraphernalia. The Parquesur outlet displays an advert from the suppliers of beer to the Spanish Royal Family, an iron mug that William I of Prussia drank from and an interesting collection of bottles from the US Prohibition period, amongst other things. The third venue is in Heron City leisure park (Las Rozas), 20 kms from Madrid. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The world of bullfighting |
Calle de Alcalá 237 Plaza de Toros de las Ventas Madrid, Madrid 28028 Spain +34 91 725 1857 http://www.madrid.org/asuntos_... cat@madrid.org |
If you're in any way attracted to the exciting, complicated and colourful world of bullfighting, you'll love this museum, located in the world's most important bullring—Plaza Monumental de las Ventas. It contains a fabulous collection of trajes de luces (bullfighting suits) worn by the most famous bullfighters along with portraits of great toreros, like Belmonte and Vicente Pastor painted by Eugenio Lucas and Antonio Carnicero. You'll also see an eclectic selection of taurine memorabilia and the stuffed heads of brave bulls. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Consuelo Puchades |
 Photo: Michael Lange |
 Photo: Bitterroot |
 A classical writer's home |
Calle de Cervantes 11 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 429 9216 |
Lope de Vega was born in Madrid in 1562 and became one of the 17th century's major dramatists, along with Calderón de la Barca. This is the house where he lived from 1610 until his death in 1635. Those 25 years were a troubled period in the writer's adventurous life. He was banished from Madrid for eight years because he wrote insulting poems about Elena Osorio (the daughter of an important theatrical impresario) with whom he had a five-year relationship. She eventually abandoned him for a wealthy lover. The two-story house is ironically located in Calle Cervantes and has been arranged to represent the historical period in which the writer lived. It first opened to the public in 1935. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: K Friedman |
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Plaza Mayor's first building |
Plaza Mayor, 27 Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain |
As the Plaza Mayor's first building, it served as a model for the rest. The original had archways that gave people access to the square and its daily market from the main street, or Calle Mayor. It was built for the bakers' guild in 1617 and had a colourfully painted façade that was later destroyed by fire. In the late 1980s, painter Carlos Franco was commissioned to redecorate the façade, which he did with allegorical depictions of time and the horoscope. The building now hosts interesting exhibitions about Madrid. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Frankinho |
 Photo: DeViajes |
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 Photo: Ashur Lazar |
 Photo: Marcio Nel Cimatti |
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 Photo: Cecil D. Batac |
 Photo: Daniel Coomber |
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19th century Spanish paintings |
Calle de Felipe IV 13 Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 4680481 |
This building was once the Buen Retiro Palace's ballroom. The palace no longer exists and the ballroom now belongs to the Museo del Prado (Prado Museum). It houses a collection of 19th century paintings by artists such as Madrazo, Fortuny, Rosales, Picasso and Sorolla. The attractive 18th century dome was painted by Lucas Jordán. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Juan Seguí Moreno |
 Photo: Luis Pablo Núñez |
 Photo: 'S de Santi' |
 Photo: Julio Contreras |
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History of Madrid's urban planning |
Príncipe de Vergara, 140 Madrid, Madrid 28002 Spain +34 91 588 6599 http://www.murcia-museociudad.... museo.ciudad@ayto-murcia.es |
You'll get an overall view of the city's history from the very beginning through to the present day. The museum starts with the first pre-historic settlements and details the initial royal projects intended to found a capital. The illustrative models show Madrid's water, electricity, transport and telephone infrastructures in fascinating detail. The 19th and 20th centuries are represented through important historical events (like the May 2 uprising against the French) and important urban developments (like building the Campo de las Naciones, rebuilding Puerta del Sol, altering Gran Vía and constructing the suburbs). The museum organizes seminars, concerts, conferences and other educational events. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: cutangus |
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Romantic-style palace in Retiro park |
Paseo Duque de Fernán Núñez, s/n Parque del Retiro Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +34 91 574 6614 |
Madrid hosted an exhibition on the Philippine Islands in 1887 and the same architect who created the nearby Palacio de Velázquez was hired to design this greenhouse to hold all the flowers brought over from the islands. It's an attractive steel and glass design that now houses temporary exhibitions of contemporary art organized by the Museo Reina Sofía. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Miguel |
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 Photo: Opal in the sky with diamonds |
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A tour through the history of sexuality |
Calle del Doctor Cortezo 2 Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +34 91 429 4932 |
The history of the world of desire, eroticism and sexuality from the earliest times to the present day is described in this museum. Rare objects related to sexuality from the ancient civilizations of Japan, South America and the West can be found along with items relating to masturbation and sadomasochism. The whole range of sexual experience is displayed through films, photographs, TVs and PCs. The museum shop sells all manner of objects, books and comics for those who want to take a souvenir home with them. AdmissionÑ EUR5. Group discount is available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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History of fire-fighting |
Calle de Boada 4 Madrid, Madrid 28038 Spain +34 91 478 6572 |
This museum traces the history of organised fire-fighting in Spain since it began. You'll see examples of old horse-drawn carriages (1898) and the first motor-drawn fire engines (1911) as well as a wide selection of pumps and water-propulsion systems that have been used to extinguish fires through the years. Children can achieve their dreams of joining the Fire Brigade by bringing along a photograph and filling in a form. Their details will be registered in the Service List and they'll receive an official ID card. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Spain's biggest collection of minerals and fossils |
Ríos Rosas, 23 Madrid, Madrid 28003 Spain +34 91 349 5759 http://www.igme.es/museo/ m.geominero@igme.es |
8000 mineral specimens are on display here in over 250 glass cabinets. The mineral collection has samples from every region in Spain including flora, ores and organogeneous rocks. The fossil section contains a selection of vertebrates and invertebrates from Spain and abroad including wild boar, tortoise, crocodile, frogs and bear. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Tour through the history of minerals and fossils |
Ríos Rosas, 21 Madrid, Madrid 28003 Spain +34 91 336 7017 |
There's lots of interest to see in this museum, located in the School of Mining. The building itself is so impressive it was declared a national historical monument. The beautiful library holds 7000 volumes. There's a fascinating collection of instruments and models relating to the science and industry of mining. Visitors also get the chance to go underground in the garden in the Marcelo Jorissen Mine-Museum (a 50m-deep reproduction of a coal mine). The collection of minerals, fossils and rocks (10000 in total) includes silver from Guadalajara and metallic sulphur from Germany. The fossil collection contains examples of almost every plant and animal found on the planet today. Collectors come from far and wide to visit the public market selling minerals, fossils and gems in the hallway. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fun and education for all the family |
Pintor Velázquez, s/n Parque de Andalucía Madrid, Madrid 28100 Spain +34 91 484 5200 / +34 91 484 5252 http://portal1.lacaixa.es/Docs... savimad.fundacio@lacaixa.es |
Come along for a spectacular and enjoyable educational journey through the sciences, technology and the laws of the universe. You can actively participate in over 20 different experimental activities relating to physics, chemistry, optics and energy. The permanent exhibition explains the history of the planets and life on earth as well as showing you how to predict the weather and describing how meteorological phenomena like tornadoes occur. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Visions of the universe |
Avenida del Planetario, 16 Madrid, Madrid 28045 Spain +34 91 467 3461 / +34 91 467 3898 http://www.planetmad.es/ buzon@planetmad.es |
Lie back on one of the reclining chairs located under the huge dome and enjoy spectacular documentaries and visual displays accompanied by the best surround sound system available. You will learn all about the fascinating world of astronomy and see images of the stars and planets as they circulate in their 'natural' orbits. There is a range of exhibitions and video shows to visit, along with interactive educational computer facilities and a souvenir shop. The planetarium is close to the IMAX 3D cinema and has free parking. Admission to video screenings, exhibitions and computer facilities is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: igece |
 Photo: Damian Vila |
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15th-19th-century minor works of art |
Montalbán, 12 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 532 6499 |
This small 19th-century palace houses an interesting collection of household objects and decorative arts which reflects the history of everyday life in Spain from the 15th-19th centuries. Over 15000 pieces of porcelain, glass, furniture, ivory, ceramics, paintings and sculptures fill the exhibition space. The collection of glass objects shows how things have changed over time. There are examples of textiles dating from the 2nd century to the present day. Fans, wallets, carpets, toys, furniture and tobacco pouches complete the range of fascinating objects on display. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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History of indigenous American cultures |
Avenida Reyes Católicos 6 Madrid, Madrid 28040 Spain +34 91 549 2641 http://museodeamerica.mcu.es/ museo@mamerica.mcu.es |
Packed full of interesting artefacts relating to North and South America's indigenous cultures, most of the pieces on display at this museum were brought to Spain between the 16th and 17th centuries. Outstanding collections include the 17th-century Mexican pottery, the Quimbayas Treasure, Paracas Mummy, shell paintings of the conquest of Mexico, North American Indian artefacts, and the results of 18th-century scientific expeditions. There are regular temporary exhibitions and organized educational weekend workshops for children. This museum has been open since 1965 in a colonial-style mansion close to the Faro de Madrid (Lighthouse). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Spanish military history |
Méndez Núñez, 1 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 522 8977 |
Trophies, flags, uniforms, weapons and scale-models are all used to describe the history of Spain's armed forces. One of the outstanding pieces on display is the sword - called La Tizona - used by El Cid, a famous medieval soldier who fought to expel the Arabs from Spain. The collection includes 18000 items in total and it's divided into themes that include African Special Forces, The Foreign Legion, Charles I, Military Hygiene, etc. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Interactive museum |
Paseo de Recoletos, 20-22 Biblioteca Nacional de Espana Madrid, Madrid 28071 Spain +34 91 580 7800 http://www.bne.es |
This museum aims to describe the history of human communication from the advent of writing to the end of the 20th century. All sorts of cutting edge technology is used to bring that history to life. Audiovisual displays, holograms, games and interactive videos show you how craftsmen developed engraving, printing and silkscreen techniques through the centuries. Twenty different multimedia systems are employed to bring the rich archives of the National Library to life for you, including its oldest (4th century) manuscript as well as recordings and diaries made by important figures like Unamuno, Picasso, Miró and Vicente Aleixandre. Admission: free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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16th and 17th-century works of art |
Plaza de las Descalzas 3 Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 91 521 2779 |
This convent's museum houses an important collection of paintings, sculpture, tapestries and precious metalwork donated to the order during the reigns of Carlos I and Felipe II. Highlights include paintings by Zurbarán, Rubens and Titian, a sculpted sepulchre of Emperatriz María by Crescenci, Juan de Mena's sculptures and Leoni's marble mausoleum. It first opened to the public in 1960 and won the European Council's special Museum of the Year award in 1987. The 16th-century convent is home to a religious community of Franciscan nuns belonging to the order of St. Clare. Admission: EUR4.20; students, over-65s & under-18s: EUR1.80. Free for EU citizens on Wednesdays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Guillermo Hernán Gómez López |
 Photo: Eliézer M. Fonseca |
 Photo: Ray Yeung |
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The history of Spanish astronomy |
Calle De Alfonso XII 3 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 527 0107 |
This observatory was built in 1790 in Retiro Park. It's close to Atocha station and the botanical gardens. There's a Gregorian telescope from 1790, two telescopes from 1796 along with other examples of equipment used during this period. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ebifry |
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The history of money and stamps |
Calle Doctor Esquerdo, 36 2 Madrid, Madrid 28028 Spain +34 91 566 6544 http://www.fnmt.es/ museo@fnmt.es |
Coin and stamp collectors will love the National Mint's museum that describes the history of money and trade since the 7th century BC. There are some real gems among the vast collection of coins, stamps, notes, lottery tickets and franking equipment. In addition, there's a fascinating display of illustrations and drawings relating to the world of stamps and money, as well as a library and souvenir shop. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Fascinating collection of animals and minerals |
José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2 Madrid, Madrid 28006 Spain +34 91 411 1328 http://www.mncn.csic.es mcni121@mncn.csicc.es |
The main exhibition space displays close to four million different types of preserved animal life, including mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, fish and molluscs. Some of the stuffed large predatory animals are spectacular specimens. You'll be impressed by the 1.8 million-year-old Megatherium americanum skeleton found in Argentina in 1788, the reproduction dinosaurs and the fossil and mineral collections. The museum tells the story of the evolution of life on earth with the aid of audio-visual shows and organizes free educational workshops for adults and children on weekends. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Man & the sea |
Paseo del Prado, 5 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 379 5299 http://www.museonavalmadrid.com/ direccion@museonavalmadrid.com |
Charting man's maritime history, this museum starts with the maps used during the discovery of the New World and ends with a display of the most advanced nautical instruments available today. The battles and naval campaigns waged throughout Spanish history are explored and explained. You'll see how nautical, scientific and astronomical instruments developed alongside weapons of war and maps. There are reproductions of ship's cabins, paintings of ships, the personal belongings of well-known sailors, and portraits of kings and navigators as well as a collection of shipwrecked curios. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Duncan Service |
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City sculpture garden |
Paseo de la Castellana, 41 Madrid, Madrid 28046 Spain +34 91 701 1863 http://www.munimadrid.es/museo... smuseosm@munimadrid.es |
These examples of Spanish 20th-century avant-garde art blend in so well with their surrounding urban landscape that most people walk past them without noticing. It's worth taking the time to stop and look though, and it's free. You'll see 15 sculptures by artists as famous as Chillida, Subirachs, Torner, Alfaro, Chirino and Miró. Manoeuvering Chillida's piece, Sirena varada (Stranded Siren), into place was a feat of engineering in itself. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Majestic central post office |
Calle de Montalbán Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 521 4260 / +34 91 522 2046 |
The post office headquarters was built in an eclectic style that displays Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance features with a pinch of French detail, American sky-scraper and Spanish Modernism. The result is magical. The Postal and Telegraphic Museum is located inside and describes the development of the Spanish communication system starting with the 18th-century postal service and ending with today's sophisticated reality. There are sections showing the evolution of telegraphy, telephones and new technology as well as historical examples of postmen's transport and equipment and a model of the Hispasat satellite. The collection of Spanish and foreign stamps dating from 1850 is magnificent. Admission: free. Guided visits are available for school groups and clubs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Joel |
 Photo: Paul & David Litvak |
 Photo: Kelly Vance |
 Photo: Marcello Brivio |
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 Photo: Lisa Robbins |
 Photo: shuma.rani |
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Grand palace in Retiro park |
Paseo Duque de Fernán Núñez, s/n Parque del Retiro Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 573 6245 |
This palace was originally built as a pavilion for the Mining Exhibition of 1883 and it's now used as an exhibition hall for contemporary art organized by the Museo Reina Sofia. It's located in front of the famous Artichoke Fountain in Retiro Park. The exterior is a marvellous display of two-tone brickwork and tiles around a metal frame crowned by a dome. The palace is named after the architect who designed and built it, Velázquez Bosco. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Daniel Nikodemus |
 Photo: Daniel Nikodemus |
 Photo: Federico Meza |
 Photo: Federico Meza |
 Photo: javier |
 Photo: Alicia Chiang |
 Photo: César Rincón |
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Goya's tomb surrounded by his frescoes |
Paseo de la Florida, 5 Madrid 28008 Spain +34 91 542 0722 |
In 1798, Goya himself painted the frescoes on the dome in here and the result is charged with his usual expressive detail and originality. Called Milagro de San Antonio de Padua, it represents one of his most important works. The chapel itself is a simple and elegant example of late-18th century neoclassical design and it houses the brilliant artist's tomb. In order to preserve the painting, an identical chapel was built next door in 1928 where mass is now held. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Monument to outstanding 19th-century Spaniards |
Calle Julian Gayarre, 3 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 454 8800 http://www.patrimonionacional.... |
The original idea here was to create a mausoleum dedicated to famous figures from Spanish history. In the end the project ran out of steam and only the pantheon and tower were built, forming part of the Basílica de Atocha. Nevertheless, some heavyweight military, political and cultural historical figures are represented. There are 13 in total, including Prim, Ríos Rosas, Cánovas del Castillo, Argüelles and Mendizábal. Valencian sculptor Benlliure contributed some interesting pieces. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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European masterpieces |
Paseo del Prado Madrid 28014 Spain +1 34 91 330 2800 http://www.museoprado.mcu.es museo.nacional@prado.mcu.es |
Considered one of the world's most important art galleries, it exhibits paintings by Goya, Velázquez, Murillo, Zurbarán, El Greco, Ribera, Titian, Boticelli, Tintoretto, El Bosco, Rubens, Van Dyck, Poussin and Durer. Carlos III commissioned Juan de Villanueva to design this beautiful building, which was converted into an art gallery in 1819. In July of 2005 the Council of Ministers approved a EUR44.6 million expansion plan which adds 50% more of the museums total space, and allows for 500 more works of the permanent collection to be showcased. On October 30th 2007 the annex opened with a collection of 19th century Spanish artwork which enabled the Prado to reclaim its glory as a crown jewel of Europe. Come for the art; stay for the architecture. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Janene K. Gorham |
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Spain's railway history |
Paseo de las Delicias, 61 Madrid, Madrid 28045 Spain +34 902 22 8822 http://www.ffe.es/vilanova/el_... fumuu21@ffe.es |
This is one of the most popular museums in the city, frequented as much by locals as tourists. The lovely building itself was opened as a railway station in 1880. It's interesting to see - through the steam, diesel and electric engines - how elegant and efficient train travel used to be. Most of the rolling-stock is so valuable that it has been declared of national cultural interest and is protected from destruction by statute. Other interesting items include old clocks, passenger cars, etchings, lamps, tools and much more. Look out for the working scale models, temporary exhibitions and children's activities. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ramón Durán |
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20th-century masterpieces |
Plaza Santa Isabel, 52 Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +1 34 91 774 1000 http://museoreinasofia.mcu.es |
This gallery of modern art features work by some of the 20th-century's most outstanding artists, including Picasso - Guernica has its own special space - Dalí, Tàpies, Chillida, Miró, Gris, Bacon, Le Cobursier, Lipchitz, Schnabel, Numan, and Roberto Matta. There is a library, research centre, bookshop, café, souvenir shop, and restaurant. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alan Bell |
 Photo: Mar Hernández |
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 Photo: Kristin Carideo |
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Middle-class customs in 19th-century Madrid |
San Mateo, 13 Madrid 28004 Spain +34 91 4481045 http://museoromantico.mcu.es/ Romántico@museo.mec.es |
This characteristic 18th-century palace has been converted into a museum that captures the essence of middle-class life in the city during the 19th century. You'll see an interesting collection of household objects like lamps, furniture, china and pianos, laid out in different rooms decorated with portraits of the Royal Family and important politicians and military leaders of the era. The walls are also hung with portraits of popular artists of the time, like Salvador Gutiérrez, Ribera, Madrazo, Alenza and Esquivel. You can even wander through the ballroom where famous writers, such as Béquer, Campoamor and Martínez Campos used to gather for literary evenings. There's a room entirely given over to the life of Romantic period novelist, Mariano José de Larra. Admission: EUR2.40; students: EUR1.20; under-18s, senior citizens, unemployed: free. Free admission on Sundays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Superb collection of old paintings |
Alcalá, 13 Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 5321549 |
Undoubtedly among the oldest and best collections of paintings in Spain, the 17th-century examples stand out above all. The most interesting works include two self-portraits of Goya, canvasses by Ribera, Murillo and Velằuez along with those by foreign painters of the stature of Rubens, Van Dyck and Arcimboldo. There's a room dedicated to Picasso, a room especially for decorative arts, a section for drawings and prints and a valuable series of sculptures by Joselin Regular temporary exhibitions are organized. Access to the research library is restricted. Admission: (EUR 2.40); students, under-18s & over-65s: free. Wed & Dec 6, Oct 12 & May 18: free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Madrid's baroque religious art |
Plaza de la Encarnación, 1 Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 91 454 8800 http://www.patrimonionacional.... |
The outstanding sights in this monastery are the choir area, the main cloister, the bronze and marble sepulcher, the paintings of the Bourbon royal family, and the chapel's frescoes. However, it is best known for the miracle that happens here every July 28, when the congealed blood of Saint Panthaleon that is kept in a small container miraculously becomes liquid. The building is a fine example of post-Herrera baroque architecture (Herrera was also responsible for El Escorial Monastery). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Impressive collection of furniture and paintings |
Calle de Bailén Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 91 547 5350 http://www.patrimonionacional.... info@patrimonionacional.es |
This former royal residence houses a fantastic collection of paintings (Velázquez, Caravaggio and Goya), sculpture, furniture, tapestries, glassware, gold and silverware, medals, porcelain and musical instruments. It is well worth visiting the rooms decorated by Gasparini as well as the Royal Pharmacy, the Library, and the Royal Armoury. King Felipe V commissioned the Italian architect Sabatini to design the palace, and work was carried out betwween 1738-1770. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jill Foster, Blue Mo |
 Photo: Ruth Lozano |
 Photo: Leon Wong |
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 Photo: Hernan Gonzalez |
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 Photo: Craig Stephen |
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 Photo: Nikki Smith |
 Photo: Mardee Sherman |
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Produces Spain's most valuable textiles |
Fuenterrabía, 2 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain |
It's not every day you get the opportunity to visit a museum where a workforce of up to 50 people produces and restores tapestries using 18th-century techniques. In addition to the workshops, there's a gallery where you can examine the tapestries, rugs and carpets that are made here. The factory opened in 1721 during the reign of Felipe V, and only became a public museum in the mid-1980s. Admission: (EUR 1.80). There are guided tours in Spanish, French and English. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Painter of light's house-cum-studio |
Paseo del General Martínez Campos, 37 Madrid 28010 Spain +34 91 3101584 http://museosorolla.mcu.es/ |
You can embark on a journey through the life and work of Valencian painter, Joaqua Sorolla (1863-1923), in this fascinating museum. It's located in what was his home and studio, donated to the Spanish state by his widow. Some 300 canvasses and thousands of drawings are spread throughout the three floors. The first floor contains his home and the three studios where he worked. The second floor displays most of his paintings and the ground floor is devoted to his drawings. According to Sorolla, the world was a calm and peaceful place and you'll find this museum to be an oasis of tranquillity. He was a master of light and shade and concentrated on painting the female form as well as children and the sea. Admission: (EUR 2.40); students & senior citizens: (EUR 1.20); under-18s, over-65s, unemployed & Sun: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Cuerva |
 Photo: mitchimaging |
 Photo: Cuerva |
 Photo: mjwinter |
 Photo: Julia |
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Madrid as it was before becoming capital |
Plaza de San Andrés, 2 Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 366 7415 http://www.munimadrid.es/museo... museosanisidro@munimadrid.es |
Learn about the history of Madrid before it became the capital of Spain and seat of the Royal Court in 1561. The results of years of painstaking archeological research are displayed in these attractively designed rooms. You'll see remains of the house where San Isidro (Madrid's patron saint) lived as well as parts of Count Paredes' original palace. Walk through a delightful 16th-century Renaissance-style patio to the 17th-century chapel and you'll pass a well from which San Isidro is said to have saved his own son from drowning. The museum opened in 2000 and has a specialist library. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Importance of telephones |
Calle de Fuencarral 3 Madrid, Madrid 28004 Spain +34 91 522 6645 http://www.telefonica.es/ |
It's a bit like a pop art museum and has some real collector's items on display, like the Ericsson models made between 1895 and 1910 as well as telephones made by Siemens and General Electric. It aims to trace the evolution of telecommunications from the early days until the 1960s. You can find out about the history of the Spanish telephone industry and its Telefónica company in particular. Don't miss room five and its replica telephone operator's switchboard. There are regular temporary exhibitions of contemporary artists who work with new technology and the museum owns a collection of contemporary art including names like Picasso, Chillida, Juan Gris, Tàpies and Luis Fernández on show in the Reina Sofía Gallery. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A gift from Egypt |
Jardines del Paseo del Pintor Rosales Madrid, Madrid 28008 Spain +34 91 366 7415 http://www.munimadrid.es/templ... templodebod@munimadrid.es |
Dating from the second century BC, this small Egyptian temple covered in fascinating drawings, hieroglyphics and religious inscriptions was a gift from the Egyptian government to Spain in 1970 in recognition of Spain's assistance in saving historical remains during the construction of the Aswan Dam. You will find it located in a peaceful and pleasant park, but you are advised not to come here after dark. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Gómez |
 Photo: Cesar Tardaguila |
 Photo: Tarrask |
 Photo: Carlos |
 Photo: maytevidri |
 Photo: Pete Gibson |
 Photo: Catherine Farman |
 Photo: clouddreamer |
 Photo: pdmbamford |
 Photo: Jessica Dooley |
 Photo: madriguera |
 Photo: Shahnaz Kimi |
 Photo: ALBERTO GIRON |
 Photo: Chuck Stewart |
 Photo: D. Taylor Hendrixson |
 Photo: Markus Bina |
 Photo: Marc Svenby |
 Photo: C. Mario del Río |
 Photo: Michaelangelo CRG |
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Masterpieces of European painting |
Paseo del Prado, 8 Palacio de Villahermosa Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +1 34 91 369 0151 http://www.museothyssen.org inform@museothyssen.org |
The Thyssen-Bornemisza family collected what became one of the world's finest private art collection over a number of generations. The Spanish state bought it from them in 1993 for $350m and converted the early-19th-century neoclassical Villahermosa Palace into a fabulous art gallery. You will see masterpieces by Van Dyck, Durer, Caravaggio, Rubens, Picasso, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Matisse and Kandinsky among others. The collection follows a chronological order running from the 13th to the 20th century. There is a cafeteria-restaurant, free cloakroom and a conference room. Admission: EUR6; students, senior citizens: EUR4; under-12s: free. Temporary Exhibitions: EUR5; students, senior citizens: EUR4. Combined Admission: EUR9; students, senior citizens: EUR5. Group bookings: taquilla@museothyssen.org, or call +34 91 369 0151. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dippingmytoes |
 Photo: Valentina De Luca |
 Photo: Max Boschini |
 Photo: Brian Veseling |
 Photo: Joe Villella |
 Photo: Jeff Givens |
 Photo: Meerhorn |
 Photo: francesca |
 Photo: Delphine Queme |
 Photo: Renata Albuquerque |
 Photo: jeremydb29 |
 Photo: Stefan de Vries |
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Where Cervantes Lay |
Lope de Vega, 18. Madrid 28014 Spain |
Located in the 'literary quarter of Madrid, The Convento de las Trinitarias is best known as the burial place of Miguel de Cervantes, the author of the famous Don Quixote. Unfortunately the body of Cervantes can no longer be found, and the convent grounds are only open to the public on special occasions. The daughters of Cervantes and Lope de Vega both took the veil here. Besides its relevance to literature the convent, dating from 1673, is also a good example of 17th century Madrid architecture. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Famous people and events immortalized in wax |
Recoletos, 41 Madrid, Madrid 28004 Spain +34 91 319 2649 http://www.museoceramadrid.com/ info@museoceramadrid.com |
The most famous people and events in Spanish history are displayed in remarkably life-like wax models. The crime section shows gory scenes representing the Expreso de Andalucía train murders. The section devoted to monarchs and heads of state also contain a frightening reproduction of a torture chamber and all the methods of inflicting pain used during the Spanish Inquisition. You'll see scenes from life during the Roman, Visigoth and Arab periods of settlement on the peninsula. And of course, no waxworks would be complete without famous figures from the worlds of art, literature, sports and science. Bullfighters make a special appearance here, because of their importance for Spanish culture. Admission: EUR12; under-10s & over-60s: EUR8. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gavin Byrne |
 Photo: Gavin Byrne |