Royal Collections Gallery

Built as an addition to the Royal Palace complex in Madrid, this large museum takes us on a journey through the history of Spain’s monarchs and their individual artistic tastes, from the early rulers in the Middle Ages to Juan Carlos I. Spread across three floors, the exhibition starts in the Middle Ages, displaying works by artists including Bosch, Titian, El Greco, Ribera, Velázquez and Caravaggio, and even the remains of the 9th century city wall that was discovered during the building’s construction. It continues into the Modern Age with the architectural drawings for the new Royal Palace of Madrid, built by order of Philip V after the Alcázar was destroyed in a fire, and ends with a model of the new gallery designed by the architectural studio Mansilla + Tuñón Arquitectos. Musical instruments, furniture and decorative art objects are also displayed, sharing space with works by Mengs, Goya, Tiepolo, Paret and Maella. The last section includes photography and explains how, through the national heritage organisation Patrimonio Nacional created during the Second Republic, the state took over responsibility for preserving the royal collections and opening Spain's royal sites to the public. Finally, the 21st century is represented by means of an immersive cube onto which 360-degree images of architecture and natural spaces at the royal sites are projected.

More information: https://www.esmadrid.com/en/tourist-information/royal-collections-gallery