Walking among stained glass windows, paintings by Goya, an imperial staircase and great halls. The building of the Bank of Spain hides one of the most impressive interiors of architecture in the capital and, to share it with the public, opens Doors Open: a new program that expands the opportunities for anyone to know through free guided tours of the building.
With these guided tours, the institution wants to “bring closer the valuable historical and artistic heritage that the institution has accumulated over its more than two centuries of life”. Because its legacy goes far beyond the architectural and extends to its vast art collection.
To get an idea of the dimension or importance of what is preserved and guarded there: with a view to the future, the Bank is working on the creation of a museum that will house its collections.
Inside the Banco de España
Among the points of interest that the public will be able to visit from next October is the old Salón de Cobradores, recently restored by Paredes Pedrosa Arquitectos. The neo-Arabic and industrial-inspired architecture that Eduardo de Adaro and Severiano Sainz de la Lastra endowed the space with in the 19th century coexist harmoniously.
Both were in charge of the design of the building, declared BIC in 1999, making it “one of the great references of the eclectic architecture of the end of the 19th century in our country”, according to the Bank of Spain. Other emblematic places of the space are the Imperial Staircase, the Cash Courtyard and the Operations Courtyard.
It is curious to think, moreover, that some of them are currently places of work or representation, such as the Hall of the Governing Council or the gala dining rooms.
With regard to the Banco de España Collection, the institution estimates that around 4,000 works make up the collection, including paintings -some by Goya-, “sculptures, drawings, photographs, engravings, as well as a wide range of pieces related to the decorative arts, such as tapestries, carpets, clocks and immaterial objects”.
Types of guided tours of the Banco de España and how to book them
- Doors open on weekends (Fridays from 16h to 20h and Saturdays and Sundays from 10h to 14h and 16h to 20h).
10h to 14h and 16h to 20h). Conducted by specialized personnel with a duration of 90 minutes. The maximum capacity is 30 people and places can be reserved here. - Visits for school groups (Wednesdays and Thursdays at 4 pm). Aimed at groups of 3rd and 4th of ESO, Bachillerato, Formative Cycles and University. Carried out by specialized staff and adapted to the needs of each group. They can be booked through this link.
- Visits led by the Bank’s volunteer team (Mondays and Tuesdays at 4 pm). A different approach to the heritage of the building by retired and active professionals of the institution. You can book your place at this link.
