Crystal Palace, Glass conservatory in El Retiro Park, Spain
The Glass Palace features a cast-iron framework supporting glass panels, creating a luminous structure that rises 22 meters high at its central cupola point.
The building opened in 1887 as part of the Philippine Exposition, displaying tropical plants from the Spanish colony under architect Ricardo Velázquez Bosco's direction.
The Glass Palace now serves as an exhibition space managed by the Reina Sofia Museum, presenting contemporary art installations within its transparent walls.
Located near multiple public transportation options, the palace welcomes visitors daily from 10:00 AM, with temporary closures occurring during rain events.
The structure rests on a brick base decorated with ceramic tiles created by Spanish ceramist Daniel Zuloaga, adding local artistry to its design.
Location: Madrid
Inception: 1887
Architects: Ricardo Velázquez Bosco
Architectural style: Victorian architecture, Ferrovitreous
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Part of: Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a landscape of Arts and Sciences
Address: P.º de Cuba, 4, Retiro, 28009 Madrid, Spain 28009 Madrid
Phone: +34915745617
Website: https://museoreinasofia.es
GPS coordinates: 40.41356,-3.68206
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:29
Madrid contains important cultural heritage sites. The Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and Retiro Park represent central elements of Spanish history. The city combines royal residences, museums, and squares.
Madrid establishes itself as one of the richest cultural capitals in Europe. Behind its wide avenues and lively squares, the city reveals a heritage that is royal, artistic, and popular. From the Royal Palace to the Prado, from the Retiro Gardens to the alleys of Plaza Mayor, each neighborhood tells a piece of Spanish history. Art lovers discover masterpieces from the Golden Age, visitors stroll between contemporary museums, markets, and cathedrals, while Madrilenians enjoy their parks as open-air salons. Between iconic museums, historic buildings, and lively places, this selection gathers the essential sites to understand Madrid’s beauty and energy, balancing tradition and modernity.
El Retiro Park
224 m
Monument to King Alfonso XII
428 m
Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a landscape of Arts and Sciences
346 m
Casa de Fieras del Retiro
381 m
Palacio de Velázquez
182 m
Fountain of the Artichoke, Madrid
276 m
Forest of Remembrance
451 m
Cajal
334 m
Galdós
229 m
Estanque Ochavado
439 m
La Rosaleda del Retiro, Madrid
341 m
Ciprés Calvo del Estanque del Palacio de Cristal
84 m
Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez
302 m
Biblioteca Pública Municipal - Eugenio Trías. Casa de Fieras de El Retiro
400 m
Monument to Ramón de Campoamor
209 m
Cedro en el Parque del Retiro, Madrid
426 m
Torre de telegrafía óptica del Buen Retiro
445 m
Pino carrasco de La Rosaleda
300 m
Jardín de los Planteles
262 m
Fuente de la Sardana
401 m
Arce Plateado de los Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez
305 m
Miguel Moya
347 m
Diosa Hera
383 m
Monument to Ricardo Codorniu
148 m
Mariscal Francisco Solano López
351 m
Hércules y la Hidra de Lerna
290 m
Hércules y el León de Nemea
409 m
Monument to Julio Romero de Torres, Madrid
233 mReviews
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