Housed in a restored 18th-century palace in Malasaña, the Museum of Romanticism is offering free admission to its entire collection through 31 August, covering both the permanent galleries and two temporary exhibitions on 19th-century art and life.
What it is
The Museum of Romanticism occupies the restored 18th-century palace of the Marquis of Matallana on Calle San Mateo, its rooms dressed as they might have looked in a wealthy 19th-century household. The permanent collection runs from paintings by Goya and the Bécquer brothers to porcelain dolls, imperial and Isabelline furniture, and 15 pianos, alongside curiosities such as jewellery made from lava and human hair.
Free entry also covers two temporary exhibitions running this summer: The Artist in Italy, tracing 19th-century painters' formative trips south, and Endometriosis. The Silenced Pain, a photography series by Laia Abril shown as part of PHotoESPAÑA. Beyond the galleries, the Magnolia Garden is laid out in an 18th-century French style around a circular fountain, with the museum's Garden Café serving coffee and cake at its edge.
Why it's worth attending
Free admission removes the usual €3 charge at a museum that's easy to overlook next to Madrid's larger galleries, and the standard entry price returns from 1 September. The two temporary exhibitions add contemporary and 19th-century perspectives to the permanent rooms, so a single visit covers historical furnishings and current photography at no extra cost. The Magnolia Garden and its café give the visit a slower pace than most central museums.
Practical info
The accessible entrance for wheelchair users is on Calle Beneficencia, 14, and four wheelchairs are available on request at the ticket desk. Free audio guides with audio description, magnifying loupes and sign-language PDA guides are available for visitors with visual or hearing impairments. The Garden Café operates independently of the museum, so a queue at the entrance doesn't guarantee a table.
FAQ
Is the Museum of Romanticism free right now?
Yes. Admission is free for all visitors from 30 June to 31 August 2026, covering the permanent collection and both temporary exhibitions. Outside this period, general admission is €3, with free entry every Saturday from 2pm and all day Sunday.
What can you see inside the Museum of Romanticism?
The museum recreates a wealthy 19th-century Madrid household across dozens of rooms, with paintings by Goya and the Bécquer brothers, porcelain dolls, imperial and Isabelline furniture, 15 historic pianos, and jewellery made from lava and human hair.
How long does a visit to the Museum of Romanticism take?
Most visitors spend around 60 to 90 minutes moving through the period rooms, with extra time for the Magnolia Garden and its café. Free audio guides are available to fill in context on individual pieces.
What exhibitions are on at the Museum of Romanticism in summer 2026?
Two temporary shows run alongside the permanent collection: The Artist in Italy (until 20 September), on 19th-century painters' trips to Italy, and Endometriosis. The Silenced Pain by Laia Abril (until 13 September), part of the PHotoESPAÑA festival.
Is the Museum of Romanticism accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes. A dedicated accessible entrance is located at Calle Beneficencia, 14, and the museum has a lift plus four wheelchairs available on request at the ticket desk, alongside audio description guides and sign-language PDA devices.
