Museo Cerralbo, Madrid

Beautiful old townhouse with wonderful collection of artwork and furnishings. Close to the Royal Palace and Plaza D'Espana. Free for seniors and well worth a 90 minute visit.

Step into the life of a turn-of-the-century Spanish aristocratic family and bask in the beauty and splendour of this mansion that, for all its lavishness, seems utterly in proportion and surprisingly never over-the-top. With a magnificent sweeping staircase and gold painted balustrade, it's filled with fascinating and exquisite furnishings, paintings and objects. I loved the chandelier from Murano, the murals, the 'fairy chime' clock, the banquet room, ballroom...everything. And for all its grandeur, there is such a feeling of quiet grace and intimacy here. Do try and see it – it's just a short walk from the Temple of Debod.

The Marquis of Cerralbo maybe was the most important collectors of artifacts in Madrid, in the late 19th century. He was generous enough to donate his house & art collection to the city of Madrid so that it might be enjoyed by future art connoisseurs. Once you step inside the not so impressive house from the outside, you will enter a fine house, full of decorative objects, furniture, paintings, sculptures, maps, armory, coins, antiquities, archeological objects, serveware, glassware, etc. It is stated by the museum that the collection holds more than 50.000 items! The number seems insane but it might be true! There is so much to see! It is a paradise for people that like antiques & decorative arts! Even if you don't like a certain style there is certainly another room that will be closer to your liking. Every room of the many the house has, is decorated in a different style & has a different character. It is one of the most important museums in Madrid & also the one of the least known, as stated by the locals. I don't just recommend it to my friends visiting Madrid... I oblige them to visit the Cerralbo Museum!

An excellent mansion, with many interesting things to see. Each part of it is a real masterpiece. All the rooms are perfectly decorated , resulting in a beauty that can be compared to that of the interior of many palaces through out Europe. Just perfect!!

For 3 euro a whole lot to see. A minimum of 2 hours. Unbelievable opulence the family lived in. But then they died out and it was left to the state. Life heh?