Madrid is a city that brims with history, art and culture in every corner. In addition to its best-known institutions, such as the Prado Museum or the Reina Sofía Museum, the capital also houses a series of private museums which deserve a close visit. These spaces, many of them derived from private collections, offer visitors a closer and more intimate experience with art and history. Below is a list with the best private museums in Madrid.
A private museum is a cultural institution created on the initiative of individuals or foundations, without direct intervention by the State. In many cases, these are personal collections collected over time, which have been opened to the public in spaces managed entirely by private entities. these private museums in Madrid stand out for their exclusive nature, their differentiated programming and, in many cases, for being located in historic or unique buildings.
El Liria Palace It is undoubtedly one of the most impressive privately owned and managed cultural jewels in Madrid. Official residence of the Casa de Alba, this palace opens its doors to the public allowing access to one of the most important private art collections in Europe. Inside you can admire works by Goya, Velázquez, Rubens, Zurbarán or Murillo, as well as a library with more than 18,000 historical volumes.
Currently, it also hosts temporary exhibitions, such as “FLAMBOYANT”, which dialogues with the past through a selection of baroque pieces from the Casa de Alba collection and contemporary works by the Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos.
This small but charming private museum is managed by the Art and Society Foundation. It is located in a 19th-century building in the Chamberí neighborhood and offers a journey through the daily life of Madrid's Romanticism bourgeoisie. The collection includes original furniture, costumes, portraits, personal objects and documents that illustrate the customs of the time, all collected over decades by a patron from Madrid.
The ICO Foundation Museum is another of the most representative examples of private museums in Madrid. Although it has a very specialized approach, it has established itself as a reference in exhibitions of architecture, urban planning and contemporary design. Its programming is completely managed by a private foundation, allowing it to approach cutting-edge issues with great curatorial freedom. Ideal for lovers of design and new aesthetic trends.
Espacio SOLO is one of the most avant-garde private museums in the city. It is located in the Plaza de la Independencia, next to the Puerta de Alcalá, and can only be visited with prior reservation. This space is dedicated to contemporary art, with an international collection that includes painting, sculpture, digital art, installations and new media. The initiative was born from the private collecting of Carmen Buqueras and Javier Lumbreras, and has grown to become one of the current art references in Madrid.
The ABC Museum is a cultural institution promoted by the ABC newspaper and the ABC Collection Foundation. It houses a unique collection in Spain dedicated to drawing, illustration and comics from the end of the 19th century to the present day. Located in an old renovated brewery in the heart of the Conde Duque neighborhood, it offers very dynamic temporary exhibitions and educational activities that turn it into a lively and modern space.
Yes. Muchos private museums in Madrid are open to the public at regular times and in some cases require prior reservation. These spaces usually offer guided tours, workshops, cultural events and temporary exhibitions.
Although it depends on personal interests, the Liria Palace It is undoubtedly one of the best private museums in Madrid, both for the richness of its collection and for its historical and architectural value. Your visit offers a unique immersion in the history of Spain through the art and collections of one of the most outstanding noble families in the country.
Prices vary between 5 and 25 euros, depending on the museum and the type of visit (free or guided). Many private museums offer reduced tickets for students, the elderly or people with disabilities, as well as days of free admission.