When discussing museums in Madrid, the first thing that often comes to mind is the famous Art Triangle, which includes the city’s three most important museums: El Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza. However, a group of alternative museums completes the rich cultural scene of the Spanish capital, along with theaters, cinemas, art centers, and concert halls.
These institutions, which explore topics as varied as archaeology, design, and decor, are essential if you’re eager to explore Madrid’s artistic scene or have visited the city before but have only visited the most popular museums. Here’s a list featuring 11 alternative museums in Madrid.
11 Alternative Museums in Madrid Besides Prado
1. National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum in Madrid is located on Serrano Street, next to the Plaza de Colón, in an imposing 19th-century building that it shares with the National Library.
The museum boasts an impressive collection spread over 40 galleries featuring relics from prehistoric times, the Middle Ages, the Early Modern Age, and other historical periods that make it a must-visit attraction in Madrid.
Among the museum’s most significant treasures is the Lady of Elche, a stone sculpture crafted between the 4th and 5th centuries BC, which stands as a testament to Spain’s rich history.
The exhibitions are curated by regions, with dedicated spaces for artifacts from Egypt and Greece, amongst others. This allows visitors to journey through history geographically.
The nearest subway stop to the National Archaeological Museum of Madrid (MAN) is Serrano. Visit times and further details can be found on the Museum’s official website. The admission fee for general entry is €3.
2. Museo Sorolla
The Sorolla Museum in Madrid is dedicated to the life and works of the Valencian painter Joaquín Sorolla. It offers an in-depth look at the celebrated artist’s creative journey.
Located at Paseo del General Martínez Campos 37, this charming mansion served as a residence and studio for the artist. It houses an extensive collection of his genre paintings and sculptures, jewelry, and other artifacts he collected throughout his lifetime.
This building declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument, has beautiful gardens and some spaces that maintain their decoration almost intact after having been home to Sorolla, his wife, and their three children since 1911.
In addition to the more than 1,200 works by the artist, the Sorolla Museum also features temporary exhibitions from other institutions.
The nearest metro stations to the Sorolla Museum are Iglesia, Ruben Darío, and Gregorio Marañón.
This house museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Individual tickets cost €3. For more information, please visit the Sorolla Museum’s website.
3. Madrid Railway Museum & Andén 0
The Railway Museum and Andén 0 make a perfect pair for train enthusiasts traveling to Madrid.
The Madrid Railway Museum (Museo del Ferrocarril) is a must-see. Housed in the historic Delicias Station, the museum displays a fascinating collection of locomotives and carriages that span the history of Spanish rail travel. This is a perfect spot for families and history buffs to explore the evolution of rail transport in a country that is famous for its railways and trains.
For those who love architecture, the museum’s building itself is a marvel, being one of the most notable examples of 19th-century iron architecture in Madrid.
The Madrid Railway Museum is at Paseo de las Delicias, 61. Delicias (Line 3) is the nearest metro station, just a short walk from the museum. Operating times are from Tuesday to Friday between 9:30 am and 3:00 pm; weekends and public holidays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; closed on Mondays. Entry prices are very reasonable; general admission is €6, with reduced rates for students and visitors over 65 at €4, and children under age four enter free of charge. For more information or to plan your visit around special exhibitions or events, check out their official website at museodelferrocarril.org.
Meanwhile, at Andén 0, located at Chamberí Station, train buffs get an up-close look at what subway stations were like in the past with its original 1919 features preserved.
Walking into Andén 0 is like stepping back in time. The station preserves original advertisements, turnstiles, and the overall style of a bygone era. It’s particularly interesting to see how ads from the 1920s were quite different from today’s, giving insight into the cultural norms and consumer products of that time.
The walls are adorned with white and blue tiles typical of the design trends of early 20th-century Madrid.
Located at Plaza de Chamberí, Madrid (28010), Andén 0 is easily accessible from the Iglesia (Line 1) and Bilbao (Lines 1 and 4) metro stations. The museum operates between Thursday and Sunday. On Thursdays from 10 am to 1 pm, it’s open for educational activities (pre-booking required), while from 3 pm to 7 pm, it’s open to the public. On Fridays and Saturdays, the opening hours are from 11 am to 7 pm, and on Sundays, from 11 am to 3 pm. The best part? Admission is free!
To plan your visit or check for any schedule changes, visit the official website.
4. Museo del Romanticismo
The Museo del Romanticismo in Madrid is a delightful museum dedicated to the art and culture of the Romantic period (early 19th century). It houses an impressive collection of 19th-century paintings, furniture, and decorative arts that reflect this era’s tastes and social history.
You’ll find rooms decorated to mirror the styles of the times, including lavish salons and more intimate private quarters. Art enthusiasts will appreciate works by prominent artists such as Federico de Madrazo, while literature fans can look at personal items belonging to iconic writer Mariano José de Larra.
Museo del Romanticismo is located at Calle San Mateo, 13, 28004 Madrid (Spain). The closest metro stations are Tribunal on lines 1 and 10 and Alonso Martínez on lines 4, 5, and 10. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM; it is closed on Mondays. General admission is €3; however, Saturdays from 2:00 PM onward and all-day Sunday entry are free. For up-to-date information or to plan your visit, check their official website at Museo del Romanticismo Official Website.
5. Madrid History Museum
The Madrid History Museum, formerly known as the Municipal Museum, offers an intriguing look into the city’s past, from its humble beginnings to its present status as a bustling metropolis. Inside this 18th-century former orphanage, you’ll find an impressive collection of artwork, historical documents, and fascinating artifacts.
One of the museum’s highlights is its assortment of Baroque art and sculptures, which detail various aspects of life in Madrid during that period. Additionally, the museum houses a vast collection of scale models, maps, and drawings. The beautifully preserved building, particularly its Baroque facade, is also worth admiring.
Don’t miss the chance to see ‘El Madrid de los Austrias,’ an incredible model of the city built during Spain’s Habsburg dynasty.
Other notable collection items not to miss include Francisco de Goya’s Allegory of the Villa de Madrid, furniture, and sculptures.
The Madrid History Museum (Calle Fuencarral, 78) is easily accessible by public transportation due to its proximity to Tribunal (Lines 1 and 10) and Noviciado (Line 10) metro stations. It is open Tuesday through Sunday (10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.). Admission is free for all visitors. To learn more about upcoming events or explore exhibits, visit the museum’s official website.
6. Museo ABC
After being closed for some time, Museo ABC reopened its doors to display an impressive collection of drawings and illustrations, a must-see for graphic arts enthusiasts. This former brewery turned museum showcases the evolution of drawing and illustration from the 19th century to contemporary works. The artworks here cover a broad spectrum of styles and movements, making it a haven for art lovers exploring beyond traditional museums.
Museo ABC’s architectural design is another reason to visit. The building sports a contemporary look with industrial elements reflecting its history as a brewery.
When inside, don’t miss out on the temporary exhibitions that often feature cutting-edge illustrators.
Museo ABC is located at Calle Amaniel 29-31 (28015 Madrid, Spain) for those interested in visiting. The closest metro stations are Noviciado (Line 2) and Ventura Rodríguez (Line 3), both within walking proximity. Hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm and Sundays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm; Mondays, the museum remains closed. Admission to Museo ABC is free. For up-to-date information on exhibitions and events, visit their official website at museoabc.es.
7. Museo Cerralbo
The Museo Cerralbo in Madrid hosts an impressive collection into the past lives of Spanish nobility, particularly that of its founder, Enrique de Aguilera y Gamboa, Marquis of Cerralbo. Walking through the halls is like stepping back into the opulent and artistic world of 19th-century Spain.
The museum’s collection boasts an assortment of European and Asian art with pieces from the 16th to the 20th centuries. Among these works are paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and decorative arts. Highlights include notable Spanish paintings and a remarkable assemblage of armor and weapons. The Museo Cerralbo also features temporary exhibitions.
The museum is housed in a palatial building, a work of art with its elaborate interiors and grand staircase. The residence has been preserved very much as it was when the Marquis lived there, with original furnishings and personal belongings on display.
Museo Cerralbo is located at Calle de Ventura Rodríguez, 17. The closest metro stations are Ventura Rodríguez and Plaza de España. Opening times are typically Wednesday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. General admission is usually around 3 euros, while reduced entry fees are available for certain groups. For up-to-date information on visiting hours, ticket prices, and details about current exhibitions, check out their official website at museocerralbo.mcu.es.
8. Museo Lázaro Galdiano
The Museo Lázaro Galdiano in Madrid showcases the personal collection of José Lázaro Galdiano, a Spanish businessman and art enthusiast. This museum presents over 12,500 artworks spanning from antiquity to the early 20th century.
Among its treasures, the museum houses a significant number of works by renowned Spanish artists such as Goya and Zurbarán, as well as notable European artists like Bosch and Reynolds.
The building was once the residence of Lázaro Galdiano and his wife, who amassed their collection during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The museum is situated on Calle de Serrano in the upscale Salamanca district of Madrid (Calle de Serrano, 122). To get there via public transportation, the nearest metro stations are Gregorio Marañón and Rubén Darío. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, it closed on Mondays. The entrance fee is reasonable, with discounts available for students and free entry available for children under 12. For current prices and possible changes in opening hours, it’s best to refer to the official website, flg.es.
9. Museo de América
The Museo de América in Madrid showcases the rich history and culture of the American continents, particularly the territories once controlled by the Spanish Crown. The museum’s collection spans various periods and styles, from pre-Columbian artifacts to contemporary art.
The exhibits cover various topics such as indigenous cultures, European colonization, and the independence of American countries. This fascinating museum is a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about the Americas.
The museum’s building is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture designed by Luis Moya Blanco. Its symmetrical layout, with a central courtyard surrounded by exhibition rooms, makes it easy for visitors to explore the vast collection.
The Museo de América is located at Avenida de los Reyes Católicos 6 (28040 Madrid), just a short walk from Moncloa and Ciudad Universitaria metro stations. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sundays and public holidays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The general admission price is €3, with free entry on Sundays. For more information about exhibits, events, and educational activities, visit the official website here.
10. Museo del Traje
Museo del Traje is a national museum dedicated to preserving the rich history of Spanish clothing and fashion. The museum’s collection spans over 30,000 pieces, showcasing historical garments from various periods alongside contemporary fashion. This extensive collection includes ancient textiles to haute couture pieces by renowned designers.
The exhibition rooms are organized chronologically and thematically, leading visitors through Spain’s fashion evolution.
Located at Avenida Juan de Herrera, 2 (28040 Madrid), Museo del Traje is easily accessible via public transportation, with Ciudad Universitaria and Moncloa being the closest metro stations. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Entry is priced at 3 euros, but admission is free on Saturdays after 2:30 PM and all day on Sundays. For up-to-date information about exhibitions and visiting hours, it’s best to check out their official website here.
11. National Museum of Decorative Arts
The National Museum of Decorative Arts in Madrid is a treasure trove for those intrigued by design, ornamentation, and historical artifacts.
Housed in a palace dating back to the 19th century, the museum showcases an impressive collection of ceramics, textiles, furniture, and glass from various periods and countries. As you explore, you’ll encounter Iberian ceramics, Asian art pieces, and period decor.
The National Museum of Decorative Arts is located at Calle de Montalbán, 12 (28014 Madrid). The closest metro stations are Banco de España and Retiro. For those planning a visit, it’s important to note that opening times may vary; however, it typically opens from Tuesday to Saturday from 09:30 to 15:00 and on Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 15:00. Admission prices are affordable, with general entry at 3 EUR and free entry on Sundays. For the most up-to-date information on exhibits, accessibility, and any changes to operating hours or prices, check out their official website at mnartesdecorativas.mcu.es.