Although when talking about flea markets the first thing that usually comes to mind are items such as clothing, accessories or handicrafts, the truth is that a flea market can be organized around almost anything. The mineral flea market at the Escuela de Minas de Madrid (Calle de Ríos Rosas, 21), to be held this Sunday, April 6, is proof of this.
In it, whoever comes to visit it will be able to find “all kinds of fossils, gems, minerals, rocks and shells for collectors as well as for amateurs and students”. Admission, by the way, is free, and you can consult the exhibitors participating in this link.
The enclave in which it is located makes the event a doubly special occasion, since it is the courtyard of columns of the historic building of the School of Mines (1884), a work of the architect Ricardo Velázquez Bosco, the same who designed the famous Crystal Palace of the Retiro. In addition, some of its ornamental elements earned it the 1st Medal at the National Exhibition of 1906.
Mineral market schedule
Its opening hours are from 10 am to 2 pm and, in case you can not attend, you will have a new opportunity to get to know it the first Sunday of each month. The only time of the year when it is closed is August.
In addition to the event itself, on the website of the flea market you can find a complete guide with tips for those who want to start in the world of mineral collecting.
The paradise of minerals in Madrid
If you want to delve even deeper into this world, very close to the school, at number 23 Ríos Rosas, is the Geominero Museum, which is worth visiting not only for its very complete exhibition but also for the beauty of the building. It is probably one of the best museums to go with children in Madrid.