One of the most important museum projects in Spain in decades opens its doors this summer in the Spanish capital of Madrid.
On July 25, the King and Queen will officially inaugurate the Royal Collections Gallery and until then you can enjoy its temporary exhibitions during four days of open doors.
The new museum will celebrate its opening with free tickets for the general public on Thursday, June 29 and from Wednesday, July 5 to Friday, July 7. The visits will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., the usual time for the Royal Collections Gallery to operate once it has been inaugurated. It will be necessary to book the tickets in advance through this link.
With great anticipation, the Royal Collections Gallery opens its doors, marking a monumental cultural and museum event in Spain’s recent history. Spanning 40,000 square meters, this grand establishment showcases five centuries of art history, emanating from the treasures collected by the Spanish monarchy. From renowned artists like El Greco, Caravaggio, Velázquez, Goya, and Bernini, to the historical artifacts such as Madrid’s founding wall, this magnificent gallery invites visitors to immerse themselves in a mesmerizing journey through time.
Situated between the Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace of Madrid, the highly acclaimed Royal Collections Gallery proudly displays an inaugural exhibition featuring an impressive selection of 650 artistic masterpieces. These exquisite works, carefully curated, offer a glimpse into the nation’s rich artistic heritage and the discerning tastes of its past rulers.
Patrimonio Nacional, the public body responsible for managing state-owned assets originating from the Spanish Crown, oversees the gallery’s extensive collection, which totals a staggering 170,000 meticulously preserved works of art. With such a remarkable portfolio, the Royal Collections Gallery transcends its role as a mere museum and stands as a custodian of Spain’s cultural legacy.
To ensure accessibility and encourage public engagement, the gallery offers free admission to citizens on select dates, including today, as well as the 5th, 6th, and 7th of July. Starting from July 8th, art enthusiasts can relish the gallery’s treasures throughout the week, from Monday to Sunday.
In light of the electoral calendar, the official inauguration ceremony, traditionally graced by the presence of the monarchs, has been rescheduled to July 25th. This change allows for the successful intertwining of politics and art, as the gallery gears up to host the first meeting of the College of Commissioners on July 3rd—a significant event that coincides with Spain’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The establishment of the Royal Collections Gallery has been an ambitious undertaking, taking 25 years in the making. Back in 1998, the Government’s Delegate Commission for Cultural Affairs embarked on the mission of creating a new museum dedicated solely to housing the royal collections. This labor of love finally culminated in the opening of the gallery, fueling aspirations of making it a premier cultural and tourism destination.
The gallery’s significance extends beyond the realm of art and culture, positioning itself as an emblem of Spanish national pride. With its distinct architecture, the gallery has already received ten esteemed architecture awards, further attesting to its exemplary design and aesthetic appeal.
As visitors traverse the Royal Collections Gallery, they will not only encounter the works of pioneering artists but also come face to face with Madrid’s historic roots. The gallery proudly showcases the founding wall of Madrid, dating back to the 9th century—a reflective tribute to the city’s rich heritage.
The Royal Collections Gallery is poised to enchant and captivate audiences from around the world. Its grandeur, historical significance, and commitment to preserving Spain’s cultural heritage make it an unmissable destination for art aficionados, historians, and tourists alike. As the doors swing open, this iconic gallery invites all to explore and bask in the five centuries of artistic excellence that adorn its walls, forever etching the Royal Collections Gallery in Spain’s cultural landscape.
