In addition to this summer’s major events and festivals, there’s a unique astronomical opportunity. The Madrid City Council has launched a massive distribution of certified viewing glasses so that anyone can safely view the solar eclipse on August 12 without spending a single euro. For nearly a month, there will be distribution points throughout the city—from museums to libraries—with limited stock available while supplies last. Here’s where to get them, when, and what to keep in mind.
The special glasses will be distributed free of charge from July 17 to August 12, coinciding with the Madrid Planetarium’s special program dedicated to the trio of eclipses in 2026, 2027, and 2028.
During that period, you can stop by any day during the participating locations’ opening hours; you don’t have to go on the day of the eclipse itself, although demand is likely to be higher in the final days.
Where to Pick Up the Free Glasses
The City Council has designated several cultural and reading spaces as distribution points:
- Madrid Planetarium
- Madrid History Museum
- San Isidro Museum (The Origins of Madrid)
- Municipal Printing Office – Book Arts
- Conde Duque Cultural Center
- Madrid Municipal Library Network
At all of these locations, certified eclipse glasses will be distributed while supplies last. No reservation system has been announced: it will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Distribution is on a per-person basis, typically one pair of glasses per person, although each location may adjust that amount depending on stock and demand. These are ISO 12312-2-certified solar observation glasses, suitable for safely viewing eclipses for short periods of time.
What these glasses are and why you should use them
The glasses distributed by City Hall are eclipse glasses, designed to block more than 99.9% of sunlight and allow you to look at the Sun for a few seconds without damaging your eyesight. They function as an extremely dark filter, very different from regular sunglasses, which are not suitable for viewing an eclipse and can be dangerous.
Although the total solar eclipse will be fully visible mainly in the northern part of the Community of Madrid, it will be observed as a partial eclipse in the capital, and in any case, you should never look at the Sun without specific protection. Using approved glasses or projection methods is essential to prevent eye injuries.