The Royal Palace of Madrid has added to its tour an authentic historical jewel recently recovered and until now unpublished for the public: the secret cabinet of Charles III, also known as the cabinet of Fine Woods or the Cabinet of the Indies. This room, conceived in the 18th century for the personal use of the enlightened monarch, reopens its doors to visitors after more than two centuries of waiting, enriching the visit to one of the most emblematic palaces in Europe.
Designed by Venetian decorator Mattia Gasparini, the cabinet stands out for its masterful use of precious woods and exquisite furnishings. It was here that King Carlos III used to confer with his ministers and make decisions that marked the future of the city and the country, including such emblematic projects as the Puerta de Alcalá and the public lighting system. The recovery and reinstallation of the original furniture-two tables, the king’s armchair and the ministerial stool, executed by the cabinetmaker José Canops-returns the space to its unity and historical authenticity, after this furniture had been scattered between the Royal Palace and El Pardo since the death of the monarch in 1788.
Gasparini’s splendor in the Royal Palace
The reopening, carried out by Patrimonio Nacional on September 16, provides a deeper understanding of the sophistication of 18th-century Spanish palace interiors and the figure of Charles III, considered the “best mayor of Madrid” for the numerous advances promoted during his reign. As Mario Mateos, curator and head of Decorative Arts at the Royal Palace, emphasizes, “never before had it been shown where King Carlos III worked, and now we offer the experience of seeing in their original context the furniture that accompanied him in his daily activities”.
The cabinet is added to the usual itineraries of the Royal Palace and can be seen from the Gasparini Room itself, from which to enter one of the most personal and exclusive corners of the monarch. The new space not only recovers the memory of an enlightened king , but also the unity of a set of furniture dispersed for generations, making it an essential visit for any lover of history and architecture.
The Royal Palace is open from April to September, from 10:00 to 19:00 (Monday to Saturday) and from 10:00 to 16:00 (Sundays); from October to March, from 10:00 to 18:00 (Monday to Saturday) and from 10:00 to 16:00 (Sundays). Tickets cost 20 € (reductions and free admission available). The entrance is located in Plaza de Oriente and is easily accessible by public transport.