Madrid is home to hundreds of artistic and historical treasures scattered throughout the city’s various museums and landmarks. This Saturday, April 18, you can visit them for free thanks to Monuments and Sites Day, a unique cultural event.
Since its adoption by UNESCO in 1983 , the initiative has been held annually to promote world heritage. Thanks to the opening of eight museums, anyone can discover and appreciate the works preserved within them.
Which museums are free
On this occasion, there’s no need to check for discounts or special rates—simply visit the museums and get free admission for the commemorative day. Here are the participating museums and their main attractions:
- The National Archaeological Museum features highlights ranging from Prehistory to the Modern Age, including pieces from ancient Egypt and the sculpture of the Lady of Elche.
- The Cerralbo Museum transports visitors to the aristocratic atmosphere of the 19th century, thanks to its collections of furniture, tapestries, clocks, paintings, and prints.
- The Museum of the Americas includes collections of American archaeology and ethnography that previously belonged to the Archaeological Museum, as well as various pieces of colonial and pre-Columbian art.
- The Museum of Romanticism houses works by Goya, Esquivel, and the Bécquer brothers in a setting typical of the 19th century, notable for its unique Magnolia Garden, inspired by the 18th-century French model.
- The Costume Museum offers a journey through the history of design, clothing, and cultural identity from antiquity to the present day.
- The National Museum of Anthropology is the perfect place to explore the world’s diverse cultures through masks, everyday objects, and ritual artifacts.
Two galleries very close to the Retiro
The list of free museums is rounded out by two options located less than 15 minutes from Madrid’s Retiro Park, making them a great opportunity for those who want to spend a Saturday strolling and adding a cultural touch to their day.
The first of these is the National Museum of Decorative Arts, which showcases the artistic connections between different countries through imports of everyday and luxury objects over the centuries. Its collection of Oriental art is particularly noteworthy.
Finally, next to Atocha Station, the Reina Sofía Museum will also showcase contemporary art and paintings by Dalí, Miró, and other 20th-century artists. It also features Picasso’s famous Guernica, a seminal work in the country’s history.
