Free Museums - The Travel Free Guide to Spain - page 37

16.Cerralbo Museum, Madrid
Enrique Aguilera y Gamboa , 17th Marquis of Cerralbo, was archaeologist and important
Spanish nobleman from the 19th Century. A great lover of art, during his numerous trips
throughout Spain and Europe he collected important pieces that he later kept at his home at
the center of Madrid (very close to the Plaza de España).
The Marquis always conceived his residence as both a home and a museum, and at the end
of his life he donated it to the state, so that his collection could be appreciated and enjoyed
by everyone.
The residence has been preserved in excellent state, and is a kind of time capsule that takes
us to the 19 th Century. In 2008, it obtained the Europa Nostra award for the conservation
of heritage. It is an exquisitely decorated building, and in every inch you can admire finely
crafted objects of historical and artistic value, be them furniture, carpets, mirrors, paintings
or objects of daily use. Its rich art collection features works of such important artists like El
Greco , Bronzino and Zurbarán .
Image Credit: The exterior of the palace. Image by Luis García.