Attraction
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain's national art museum, opened in 1819 on the Paseo del Prado, with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Bosch, Titian and Rubens.
Royal Collections Gallery
A museum opened in 2023 beside the Royal Palace, showing paintings, tapestries, armour, carriages and treasures from the Spanish royal collection over three levels.
At a glance
- Type
- Art and history museum
- Area
- Palacio (Madrid de los Austrias), Madrid, Spain
- Official site
- patrimonionacional.es
Good to know
- Online tickets
- Temporary exhibitions
Why we recommend it
The Royal Collections Gallery, known in Spanish as the Galería de las Colecciones Reales, is Madrid's newest major museum. It opened in June 2023 after a long build, in a striking building by the architects Emilio Tuñón and Luis Moreno Mansilla, who won the design competition back in 2002. The gallery is set into the slope between the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral, above the Campo del Moro gardens, so most of its galleries lie below the level of the palace esplanade, with long windows looking out over the gardens.
Inside, the permanent exhibition presents the art and objects gathered by the Spanish monarchy over centuries and managed by Patrimonio Nacional. The route descends through the floors in roughly chronological order. The upper level covers the earlier reigns, with tapestries, armour from the Royal Armoury and paintings by Bosch, Titian, El Greco, Ribera, Velázquez and Caravaggio. The next level moves into the 18th and 19th centuries, with furniture, musical instruments and works by Goya, Tiepolo and Mengs. The lowest level looks at the present day and the royal sites, including an immersive projection space. Four large 17th-century Solomonic columns are among the most impressive pieces.
During construction, builders uncovered remains of Madrid's early medieval settlement, and a section of the 9th-century city wall is now displayed inside the gallery. Some objects rotate over time, and the temporary exhibition hall on the lowest level hosts changing shows.
The gallery suits anyone who enjoyed the Royal Palace and wants to see more of the collection without the crowds of the state rooms. It is spacious, modern and accessible, and the descending route is easy to follow. Allow around ninety minutes to two hours. Tickets are sold online through Patrimonio Nacional, and combined tickets with the Royal Palace are sometimes offered; check the official website for current options and free entry times.
The entrance is next to the Almudena Cathedral, at the Calle de Bailén end of the esplanade. Ópera metro is the nearest stop, about ten minutes' walk away. With the Royal Palace and the cathedral side by side, this corner of Madrid makes an easy half-day.
Royal Collections Gallery FAQs
When did the Royal Collections Gallery open?
It opened in June 2023.
Who designed the building?
The architects Emilio Tuñón and Luis Moreno Mansilla.
What can you see inside?
Paintings, tapestries, armour, furniture, carriages and decorative arts from the Spanish royal collection, including works by Velázquez, Goya and Caravaggio.
Are there archaeological remains?
Yes, a section of the 9th-century city wall found during construction is displayed inside.
How long should I allow?
About ninety minutes to two hours.
Where is the entrance?
Next to the Almudena Cathedral, beside the Royal Palace.
What is the nearest metro?
Ópera, around ten minutes' walk away.
Can I combine it with the Royal Palace?
Yes, the two are next to each other, and Patrimonio Nacional sells tickets for both.