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Palacio de Cristal

ArchitectureArtTemporarily closedFreeRetiro (Line 2)

Built in 1887 as a conservatory for exotic plants from the Philippines, the Palacio de Cristal is a Greek-cross glasshouse of iron and glass on a ceramic-tiled brick base, its dome rising over 22 metres above a lake in Retiro Park. It is run by the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía as one of its exhibition venues, with free entry. The interior is closed for restoration through 2027; in the meantime an artist's installation wraps the exterior, and the palace closes in bad weather.

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Plan Your Visit

Getting there

Paseo de la República de Cuba, 4, 28009 Madrid

Nearest station: Retiro (Line 2), Ibiza (Line 9), Príncipe de Vergara (Lines 2, 9)

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Hours

Winter hours (Oct-Mar) 1 October – 31 March 2027, 10:00–18:00

Mon10:00–21:00
TueClosed
Wed10:00–21:00
Thu10:00–21:00
FriToday10:00–21:00
Sat10:00–21:00
Sun10:00–21:00

Admission

Free

Free entry to all Reina Sofía venues in Retiro Park.

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Visitor Information

Is Palacio de Cristal free to visit?
Yes, general admission to Palacio de Cristal is free. Free entry to all Reina Sofía venues in Retiro Park.. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.
What are the opening hours of Palacio de Cristal?
Palacio de Cristal is open Currently closed for restoration until 2027 (only the exterior installation is on view). Regular hours when open: 10:00-21:00 daily except Tuesdays, April-September; 10:00-18:00 daily except Tuesdays, October-March. Also closed 24, 25 and 31 December. Closes early in bad weather.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is Palacio de Cristal?
Palacio de Cristal is located at Paseo de la República de Cuba, 4, 28009 Madrid, in the Retiro area of Madrid. The nearest stations are Retiro (Line 2), Ibiza (Line 9), Príncipe de Vergara (Lines 2, 9).
What can I see at Palacio de Cristal?
A glass-and-iron 1887 greenhouse in Retiro Park, now a free Reina Sofía exhibition space. Current highlights include Fardo, by Andrea Canepa.
Do I need to book Palacio de Cristal in advance?
Palacio de Cristal is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Free entry to all Reina Sofía venues in Retiro Park.. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.
When is the best time to visit Palacio de Cristal?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.

vpogarcia, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)