An “exceptional” exhibition. That’s how officials at the Palacio de Liria (Calle de la Princesa, 20) describe what will be their major temporary exhibition this coming fall: “Cayetana: Grande de España, ” which brings the public closer to the most personal side of Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, the 18th Duchess of Alba, coinciding with the centennial of her birth.
With the official residence of the House of Alba as a backdrop, this exhibition—which has already been successfully shown at the Palacio de Las Dueñas in Seville—takes visitors on a journey to discover more about the life and career of the aristocrat: from her childhood to her relationship with art as an adult, which resulted in an “immense personal collection” and her support for various disciplines, such as opera, film, fashion, and flamenco.
For the occasion, the curators—Eugenia Martínez de Irujo and Cristina Carrillo de Albornoz, together with the team from the Casa de Alba Foundation—have selected, after three years of research, a total of more than 200 items, including works of art, haute couture dresses, photographs, objects, and personal correspondence with prominent figures of the 20th century, such as Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Jackie Kennedy.
The exhibition is organized into several thematic sections, allowing visitors to explore everything from aspects of her biography to her role as a patron, collector, and even painter, as well as lesser-known facets “such as her early work in animal welfare, her charitable activities, and her strong social commitment,” according to the Casa de Alba Foundation.
A new section featuring previously unseen material
The 100th anniversary of the Duchess of Alba’s birth is not the only milestone that will feature in next season’s programming: the 70th anniversary of the monumental restoration of the Palacio de Liria will also be highlighted through a new section dedicated to it.
This exhibition highlights the work done by both the Duchess of Alba and her husband, Duke Luis, to preserve their heritage legacy, through previously unpublished photographs and documentary material. “Liria is my most cherished work and one of the projects I’m most proud of when it comes to historical matters and the heritage of the House of Alba,” the Duchess once stated.
The palace had to undergo this renovation after being bombed in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War. Work began in 1945 under the direction of Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart’s father, Duke Jacobo, who would not live to see it completed in 1956. The 18th Duke and Duchess of Alba took over, redecorating, expanding, and reorganizing the art collection.
When will the exhibition on the Duchess of Alba be open to the public?
The exhibition will open on October 1, 2026, and will run through January 31, 2027 . Visiting hours are as follows:
- Monday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (last admission at 12:45 p.m.).
- Tuesday through Sunday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (last admission at 12:45 p.m.) and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (last admission at 6 p.m.).
Prices
Admission to the exhibition, which is now available for purchase through the museum’s website, includes a self-guided tour of the Palacio de Liria. The admission fees are as follows:
- Monday through Friday (excluding holidays): general admission €20 and reduced admission €13.
- Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: general admission €22 and reduced admission €15.