Museo Cerralbo

Overview

The Museo Cerralbo is one of Madrid's best-kept secrets—a lavish 19th-century aristocratic mansion preserved intact, where every room overflows with paintings, suits of armour, porcelain, and archaeological curiosities.

Highlights

• The Ballroom: A breathtaking mirrored ballroom with crystal chandeliers and gilded ceilings that would rival any palace in Europe.
• El Greco's Ecstasy of Saint Francis: A remarkable painting by El Greco dramatically displayed among hundreds of other works crammed salon-style across every wall.
• The Armoury: An impressive collection of weapons and Japanese samurai armour reflecting the Marquis's globe-trotting acquisitiveness.

History

The 17th Marquis of Cerralbo (1845–1922) was a politician, archaeologist, and obsessive collector. He bequeathed his entire 50,000-piece collection and mansion to the state on the strict condition that nothing be moved or rearranged.

Visitor Tips

• Free Entry: Admission is free, and the museum is rarely crowded.
• Thursday Evenings: Extended hours on Thursdays until 20:00.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.