Crystal Palace of Arganzuela, Botanical garden in La Arganzuela district, Madrid, Spain.
The Crystal Palace is a former industrial building with a glass dome and iron structure divided into four different zones for tropical and subtropical plant collections. Natural light flows through the glass fronts and illuminates densely planted areas that represent different climate conditions.
The building was created in 1992 as part of the transformation of Matadero Madrid from a slaughterhouse and industrial complex into a cultural center. Reusing the existing structure made it possible to create this special place for plant research and public access.
The palace shows how the city has embraced nature by growing and displaying plants from distant regions within urban spaces. Visitors can explore tropical and subtropical ecosystems in a way that would not otherwise be possible in this location.
Visitors should allow time to explore thoroughly since the four zones are full of details and each maintains different conditions. Best times to visit are early hours when temperatures are more comfortable and fewer people are present.
The collection includes rare and specialized plants, with a notably large orchid collection used for botanical research purposes. This focus makes the building more than just a place to stroll - it functions as an active research institution.
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