An immersive exhibition inside the Palacio de Cibeles puts visitors inside the history of electricity, using mixed-reality headsets to move between the 19th century and speculative future cities. Built by Iberdrola to mark a company milestone, the free show mixes historic objects with interactive digital scenes rather than presenting a conventional timeline behind glass.
What it is
Visitors wear mixed-reality headsets that overlay digital content onto the physical exhibition space, walking through galleries that trace electricity from its earliest applications to renewable energy and smart grids. Original historical pieces of technological and heritage value sit alongside the virtual layer, grounding the digital journey in real objects rather than screens alone.
The route closes on speculative future cities running on clean, decentralised power, tying the historical material to Iberdrola's current work on renewable generation, smart grids and electrification of demand. Educational workshops run alongside the main exhibition, aimed at both general visitors and younger audiences considering science and engineering paths.
Why it's worth attending
Free mixed-reality exhibitions of this scale are rare in Madrid, and the format — walking through historical rooms while wearing a headset that layers in interactive content — is different from a standard museum visit. At roughly an hour, it fits easily alongside another stop in the Cibeles/Retiro area.
Practical info
Advance reservation is required even though entry is free. Children under 10 cannot use the mixed-reality glasses, and the experience is not recommended for visitors with photosensitive epilepsy. Those who wear prescription glasses can wear the headsets over them.
FAQ
Is the Iberdrola immersive experience at Cibeles free?
Yes, admission is free but requires advance online reservation, as capacity for the mixed-reality headsets is limited per session.
How long does the Iberdrola exhibition at Palacio de Cibeles last?
The self-guided visit takes approximately one hour, moving through mixed-reality galleries covering electricity's history and future.
Can children use the mixed-reality headsets at the Iberdrola exhibition?
No, children under 10 are not permitted to use the mixed-reality glasses. The experience is also not recommended for visitors with photosensitive epilepsy.
Until when is the Iberdrola exhibition open at Palacio de Cibeles?
The exhibition runs daily from 22 September to 20 October 2026, with last entry at 20:45.
Can I wear my prescription glasses with the mixed-reality headset?
Yes, visitors who wear prescription glasses can use the mixed-reality headsets over them without issue.
