iPalacio de Velázquez
Built in 1883 by architect Ricardo Velázquez Bosco for the National Mining Exhibition, this iron-and-glass pavilion is the sole survivor of that fair's pavilions. Standing beside the lake in Retiro Park, it now operates as a satellite exhibition space of the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, hosting large-scale temporary contemporary art shows with free admission. Its neoclassical brickwork, glazed vaults, and Zuloaga ceramic decoration make the building itself as much a draw as the art inside.
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What's On
Fernando Sánchez Castillo: The Wayward Pearl
A retrospective of over 200 works by Fernando Sánchez Castillo dismantling monuments and symbols of power, framed around the legend of a lost royal pearl.
La Ribot. Resolution
The complete Piezas distinguidas (1993-2024) by La Ribot, as a long continuous performance plus an installation of sculpture, photography, drawing and objects.
Plan Your Visit
Getting there
Palacio de Velázquez, Parque de El Retiro, 28009 Madrid, Spain
Nearest station: Retiro (Line 2), Ibiza (Line 9) and Estación del Arte (Line 1)
Show on mapHours
Winter hours (Oct-Mar) until 31 March 2027, 10:00–18:00
| Mon | 10:00–21:00 |
| TueToday | 10:00–21:00 |
| Wed | 10:00–21:00 |
| Thu | 10:00–21:00 |
| Fri | 10:00–21:00 |
| Sat | 10:00–21:00 |
| Sun | 10:00–21:00 |
Admission
Free
Free admission year-round to both Palacio de Velázquez and Palacio de Cristal exhibitions.
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Visitor Information
- Is Palacio de Velázquez free to visit?
- Yes, general admission to Palacio de Velázquez is free. Free admission year-round to both Palacio de Velázquez and Palacio de Cristal exhibitions.. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.
- What are the opening hours of Palacio de Velázquez?
- Palacio de Velázquez is open Open daily 10:00-21:00 (Apr-Sep) and 10:00-18:00 (Oct-Mar); visitors asked to leave 10 min before closing. Free entry year-round. Closed 1 & 6 Jan, 1 May, 25 Dec; shortened hours (closes 17:00) on 24 & 31 Dec.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
- Where is Palacio de Velázquez?
- Palacio de Velázquez is located at Palacio de Velázquez, Parque de El Retiro, 28009 Madrid, Spain, in the Retiro area of Madrid. The nearest stations are Retiro (Line 2), Ibiza (Line 9) and Estación del Arte (Line 1).
- What can I see at Palacio de Velázquez?
- A glass-and-brick 1883 mining pavilion in Retiro Park, now a free contemporary art hall run by the Reina Sofía. Current highlights include La Ribot. Resolution and Fernando Sánchez Castillo: The Wayward Pearl.
- Do I need to book Palacio de Velázquez in advance?
- Palacio de Velázquez is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Free admission year-round to both Palacio de Velázquez and Palacio de Cristal exhibitions.. 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 Velázquez?
- 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.
Image credits
6
- Palacio de VelázquezJ.L. De Diego, Public domain
- Fernando Sánchez Castillo: The Wayward PearlMuseo Reina Sofía
- Palacio de Cristalvpogarcia, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Museo Nacional de Artes DecorativasLuis García (Zaqarbal), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Museo del PradoEmilio J. Rodríguez Posada (Emijrp), via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Museo NavalFernando, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0