Casón del Buen Retiro, Museum building in central Madrid, Spain
The Casón del Buen Retiro is a museum building in central Madrid housing large reading rooms with a substantial collection focused on art history and museum studies. The spaces provide access to historical documents and materials that trace how art institutions developed over time.
The building was constructed in the 17th century during Philip IV's reign as a ballroom for the Royal Palace of Buen Retiro complex. Over subsequent centuries, it was transformed into a space dedicated to preserving and studying art history.
The ceiling displays a painted work from 1694 by Luca Giordano showing the Allegory of the Golden Fleece, created for King Charles II of Spain. This artwork shapes how the room feels and speaks to the royal grandeur of its past.
Access is straightforward through the city center and easily reached by public transportation. Visitors should check current opening times in advance, as these change seasonally to accommodate different schedules throughout the year.
From 1981 to 1992, this building held Picasso's Guernica before the painting was moved elsewhere. This period marked it as one of Spain's most significant locations for modern artistic expression.
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