Palacio de las Artes y la Industria

Palacio de las Artes y la Industria is an engineering school and museum building distinguished by its metal framework with cast iron columns and floor systems. A central dome spans across multiple levels from basement to main floor, with two interior courtyards that allow light and air to penetrate the interior spaces.

Construction started in 1881 and the building opened in 1887 for the first National Exhibition of Fine Arts. The palace was designed by architect Fernando de la Torriente and became an important part of Madrid's late 19th century development.

The building brings together scientific research and engineering education in a single location that serves both purposes today. Visitors experience a place where learning and discovery happen side by side throughout its spaces.

The building has multiple levels from basement to main floor connected by two interior courtyards that help with orientation and movement. The open central dome structure makes it easy to understand the layout and find your way through different areas.

The structure employs 26 semicircular arches working together to support the roof system in an innovative way. This metal framework solution was remarkable for Madrid at the time and showed engineering advances not commonly seen elsewhere in the city.

Location: Madrid

Inception: 1886

Architects: Fernando de la Torriente, Emilio Boix y Merino

GPS coordinates: 40.44054,-3.68953

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:08