Lázaro Galdiano Museum (Madrid)

The Lázaro Galdiano Museum in Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain, is a state museum of private origin, which houses a large and heterogeneous collection, formed with an encyclopedic interest in all arts and techniques.

This exceptional collection, consisting of more than 12,600 pieces, was assembled by the collector and editor José Lázaro Galdiano, who, upon his death in 1947, bequeathed it to the Spanish State together with his Madrid residence, the headquarters of his publishing house La España Moderna and a library of 20,000 volumes.

After the Lázaro Galdiano Foundation was created and the donor’s former residence (Parque Florido, in the Salamanca district of Madrid) was adapted as a museum, the collection was presented to the public on January 27, 1951. Since then, its prestige among experts has spread widely, and its funds are considered indispensable for studying many aspects of art history, which is why they participate in both Spanish and international exhibitions.

Among its most valuable works of art is the collection of paintings, drawings and engravings by Francisco de Goya, with world-famous pieces such as The Witches’ Sabbath and The Witches, commissioned by the Duke and Duchess of Osuna (1797-1798).

Other notable examples include works by Hieronymus Bosch, Lucas Cranach the Elder, El Greco, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Francisco de Zurbarán, Claudio Coello, Luis Paret y Alcázar and Federico de Madrazo y Kuntz, as well as a miniature on parchment by Giulio Clovio and two bronzes by Giambologna. But possibly the most unique work in the museum is the painting on wood The Young Saviour, produced in Leonardo da Vinci’s workshop based on a lost design by the master.

It also has a small collection of British paintings, a school that is very rare in Spain; in fact the Lázaro Galdiano Museum and the Prado museum were (until the opening of the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum) the only two Spanish museums with a significant collection. It includes examples by Lely (the only one from the 17th century, the others are from the 18th), Constable, Reynolds and Romney, as well as a portrait by the American Gilbert Stuart.

The museum was completely renovated between 2001 and 2004 in order to properly conserve its collections and make the visit more comfortable and focused on the highest quality pieces. Four floors are open to the public, completely renovated, respecting the original ceilings and woodwork.

Address: C. de Serrano, 122, Salamanca, 28006 Madrid, Spain.

Working hours:

Thursday 9:30 AM–3 PM, 4:30–7:30 PM
Friday 9:30 AM–3 PM, 4:30–7:30 PM
Saturday 9:30 AM–3 PM
Sunday 9:30 AM–3 PM
Monday Closed
Tuesday 9:30 AM–3 PM, 4:30–7:30 PM
Wednesday 9:30 AM–3 PM, 4:30–7:30 PM