City Museum

The Museum of the City of Madrid, also known as the Museum of the History of Madrid, is a fascinating journey through time that offers a detailed look at the rich history and culture of the Spanish capital. Located on Calle de Fuencarral, the museum is housed in an imposing Baroque building, the former Hospice of San Fernando, designed by the architect Pedro de Ribera in the 18th century. This architectural context already provides a captivating introduction to the visit. The museum was inaugurated in 1929 as the Municipal Museum of Madrid and only in 2007 was renamed the Museum of the History of Madrid after a long period of renovation. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, with a Baroque façade that catches the attention of passersby and prepares visitors for the richness of the collections housed within. The Museum of the History of Madrid boasts a collection of over 60,000 objects that document the historical and urban evolution of the city from 1561, the year Madrid became the capital of Spain, to the present day. Among the most notable pieces in the collection is the scale model of Madrid created by León Gil de Palacio in 1830, an incredibly detailed work that allows viewers to see how the city has developed over time. This model is an extraordinary example of how cartography can become art, offering visitors a panoramic view of 19th century Madrid. One of the museum’s treasures is Francisco de Goya’s painting “Allegory of the City of Madrid,” a work that celebrates the city and its history. Goya, with his unique style and mastery of color and symbolism, captures the essence of the Spanish capital during a period of great transformation. Alongside this, there are works by other illustrious artists such as Luca Giordano, whose painting “Virgin with San Fernando” further enriches the museum’s collection. The museum’s collection is not limited to visual arts. It also includes historical photographs, sculptures, weapons, coins, medals, and everyday objects that tell the story of the lives of the people of Madrid through the centuries. These artifacts offer a glimpse into society, traditions, and the social and cultural changes that have characterized Madrid. Objects from the Mesonero Romanos house, for example, provide a fascinating glimpse into domestic life in the 19th century, while the porcelain from Buen Retiro and the works of Gutiérrez Solana show the evolution of artistic and decorative taste. The political history of the city is well represented in the museum. Madrid, as the capital of Spain, has been the scene of numerous significant historical events, from the Napoleonic Wars to the Spanish Civil War, to the democratic transition of the 20th century. The museum’s exhibitions delve into these themes in depth, highlighting not only the events themselves, but also their social and cultural implications. An interesting anecdote concerns the period when the building served as a hospice. Founded in 1721, the Hospice of San Fernando was a structure dedicated to assisting the poor and orphans, reflecting an important social dimension of Madrid’s history. This past of assistance intertwines with the building’s current cultural function, creating a connection between the past and the present. The Museum of the History of Madrid also offers modern services for visitors, including a library, souvenir shops, and guided tours that enhance the exploration experience. The presence of free Wi-Fi and other amenities makes the visit accessible and enjoyable for everyone.