This was the place where Joaquín Sorolla lived and developed his art. Located in the Chamberí district , the Sorolla Museum joins the list of destinations proposed by the New York Times as a perfect opportunity to get to know the “painter of light” up close.
The building is located at 37Paseo del General Martínez Campos and has several art studios and the typical rooms of a house. Its garden is particularly noteworthy , a secret corner designed by the painter himself and inspired by Andalusia, where water and colors have a strong presence.
The house-museum is currently closed for expansion and renovation work, but will reopen this year. There willbe more exhibition spaces, improved accessibility ,and better conservation of the works, as outlined in the museum’s renovation plan, which will make it one of the cultural landmarks of 2026.
A journey through the painter of light
Sorolla exhibition in Valencia. | Editorial credit: Shutterstock
The New York Timesrecommendation includes an” immersive experience in the world ofSorolla,” noting that several of his paintings can be found in other places beyond the Sorolla Museum, such as the Prado Museum and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.
The American newspaper suggests a trip to Valencia, the painter’s hometown, which will be the European headquarters of the Hispanic Society of America this year. Thanks to this project, the city will host more than 220 works by Sorolla, which will later become a museum linked to the city.
Oil paintings, gouaches, drawings, sculptures, photographs, and personal correspondence will be on display , offering visitors a deeper understanding of the artist. Thus, a visit to the Sorolla Museum in Madrid is complemented by a trip to Valencia and an international art event.
What to see at the Sorolla Museum
Walk along the seashore. | Editorial credit: Sorolla Museum in Madrid
Among the most notable paintings in the Sorolla Museum in Madrid is “Walk by the Sea,” which depicts two women on the beach and features the artist’s long brushstrokes of blue, mauve, and turquoise.
In addition to his paintings, this gallery also includes several collections of drawings, ceramics, sculptures, jewelry, clothing, and furniture that were part of Sorolla’s estate. And, of course, you can see a large documentary archive with photographs and letters written between the painter and his wife, as well as other artists and writers.