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Located in a beautiful and central 17th-century mansion on Calle Ventura Rodríguez, the Cerralbo Museum is one of the most interesting in Madrid but also one of the most unknown. His 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.
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The palace of the Marquis de Cerralbo
This classicist style house-palace decorated with neo-baroque and rocco elements belonged to the Marquis de Cerralbo and was conceived from the beginning as a house and museum. The family deposited here all the works of art they gathered during the many trips they made in 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 be gathered and serve for the study of art and science lovers.
What to see in the Cerralbo Museum?
This mansion is an ideal place to discover the way of life of the Spanish aristocracy of the late nineteenth century, as it is one of the few examples where the original atmosphere of the house is preserved so that visitors can observe what life was like at the time.
Although not as well known as other museums in the capital, Cerralbo Museum is a real gem as it is a delight to stroll through its different rooms decorated as in ancient times while letting your imagination fly away.
As soon as you enter, the spacious portal and the beautiful marble staircase welcome the visitor. The coat of arms with the emblem of the Cerralbo family stands out in the decoration of the entrance, as well as two beautiful tapestries made in Brussels and Pastrana.
Image | Flickr Jose Luis Vega
The main floor of the palace house is the largest of its treasures as it was dedicated to the receptions and parties of the family and still retains its original decoration. Being intended for these purposes, its decoration is very luxurious as it was a sign of the reflection of the economic position of the Marquises.
On this floor you can see the gala dining room, armory, office, ballroom or bathroom, which had uncommon running water facilities at the time.
On this floor we can also visit the Arab Room. These types of rooms were very fashionable in 19th century Europe and were used as a leisure space for men dedicated to tobacco use. It is decorated with objects that come from countries as diverse as Morocco, Turkey, Japan, Philippines, China or New Zealand. Another room used by the knights to gather 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 gathering of the Marquis. In this space there are volumes dating back to the 16th relating to archaeology, history, literature, travel and manuscripts. His collection of numismatics is one of the most important in Spain.
The Cerralbo Museum also has three galleries of great interest. The first collects the paintings of the marquis’s ancestors mixed with vases, clocks and consoles. In the center there is a showcase with interesting details such as the Golden Thaise with which he was awarded. This is one of the oldest and most prestigious cavalry orders in Europe that is closely linked to the Habsburg dynasty and the crowns of Austria and Spain.
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The second gallery is eclectically ornated with Italian furniture and a large canvas of “La Piedad” by Alonso Cano. Finally, the third gallery of the Cerralbo Museum features elegant desks and chest, marble busts and huge mirrors with gilded moldings to give more light to the gallery. A painting of the 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 there are different exhibits of interest. The garden is a reconstruction of 1995 because after the Civil War the original garden was completely destroyed. It highlights a templete- gazete- and a pond on which the sculptures of Roman gods and emperors that decorate the place are reflected. Painting workshops and other activities for children are organized here.
Opening hours and entry to the Cerralbo Museum
Timetable
- Tuesday to Saturday: from 9:30am to 3 pm (Thursday until 20 hours).
- Sundays and public holidays: from 10 am to 3 pm.
- Thursday: from 17 to 20 hours.
- Monday: closed.
Entrance price
- Adults: €3
- Children under 18 years old, students under 25 and over 65 years old: 1.50€
- Free admission: Saturdays from 14:00, Thursdays from 17:00 to 20:00 and Sundays.
How to get to the Cerralbo Museum?
- Metro: Plaza de España (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-Príncipe Pio
- BiciMad: Stations 14, 115, 116
