An open-air photography exhibition along Retiro Park's main paths brings 45 portraits by British photographer Tim Flach into daily view, each one built like a studio shot rather than a wildlife photo, isolating an endangered animal against a plain background so its expression, not its habitat, carries the image.
What it is
Flach's technique strips away the usual nature-documentary framing: elephants, primates, big cats and amphibians appear against neutral backdrops, lit and posed the way a portrait photographer would treat a human subject. Each of the 45 images carries the species' scientific name, its native range and a short note on its conservation status, turning the walk through Retiro into a species-by-species briefing on what's actually at risk.
The exhibition doesn't attempt to catalogue every threatened species; instead it picks animals whose faces read as recognisably expressive, an approach Flach has built a career on since his book More Than Human. The format is designed to work for passersby who weren't planning to see an exhibition at all, since the prints line an outdoor route through one of Madrid's busiest parks rather than sitting inside a gallery.
Why it's worth a detour
Unlike most wildlife exhibitions, this one requires no ticket, no queue and no detour from a normal walk through Retiro; the panels sit along paths already used by joggers, families and tourists. The portrait format also makes it more legible at a glance than a standard information panel, since each image is built to communicate the animal's condition without needing the accompanying text.
Practical info
The photographs line outdoor paths, so visibility depends on daylight and weather; an early morning or late afternoon visit avoids the midday glare that can wash out the images. No reservation or ticket is needed, and the display is accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs along the paved sections of the route.
FAQ
Is the Tim Flach exhibition in Retiro Park free?
Yes, Emociones en Peligro is a free, open-air exhibition with no ticket or reservation required, on display in Retiro Park from 2 to 25 September 2026.
How many photographs are in the Emociones en Peligro exhibition?
The exhibition includes 45 portraits of endangered animal species, each shot in a studio-style format against a neutral background rather than in the animal's natural habitat.
Who is the photographer behind Emociones en Peligro?
British photographer Tim Flach, known for portrait-style wildlife photography and his book More Than Human, created the 45 images on display.
What time can I see the Tim Flach exhibition?
The display sits outdoors along Retiro Park's paths and is accessible around the clock during the park's opening hours, with no separate exhibition hours to check.
Where exactly in Retiro Park is the exhibition located?
The portraits are installed along one of the park's main walking routes, viewable without straying from a standard walk through Retiro.
