VISIT THE VELÁZQUEZ PALACE

An artistic setting in Retiro Park
Built between 1881 and 1883 by the architect Ricardo Velázquez Bosco, the Palacio de Velázquez was originally designed to house the National Mining Exhibition. Its style combines red brick, decorative ceramics by Daniel Zuloaga and a large central glass roof, giving it a singular charm in the heart of the Retiro.

Why visit?
Today, the building belongs to the Reina Sofía Museum and is used as a temporary exhibition space dedicated to contemporary art. Its luminous structure and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal place to discover modern art in a historic setting.

A brief history and anecdotes
The palace owes its name to its architect, Ricardo Velázquez Bosco. Anecdote: although more discreet than the neighbouring Palacio de Cristal, it was one of the first major buildings in Madrid to incorporate decorative ceramics as a major architectural element. Its colourful mosaics remain one of its visual signatures.

What can you do there?
- Explore temporary exhibitions of contemporary art
- Admire the decorative details in ceramic and red brick
- Make the most of the natural light coming through the large glass roof
- Relax in Retiro Park after your visit

Where is it?
📍 Retiro Park, Madrid, Spain
👉 See on Google Maps

Practical advice
- Free admission
- Check the exhibition programme on the Reina Sofía Museum website
- Easily accessible from the Puerta de Alcalá or the Prado Museum
- Ideal to combine with a visit to the Crystal Palace

To discover around
- Crystal Palace
- Estanque Grande del Retiro
- Statue of the Fallen Angel
- Prado Museum

Audioguide
🎧 Listen to our immersive description of the Palacio de Velázquez on History Guide City Madrid !
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