Longoria Palace

The Palacio de Longoria, located at the intersection of Fernando VI and Pelayo streets in the Chueca district of Madrid, represents one of the most extraordinary examples of modernist architecture in the Spanish capital. Built between 1902 and 1904 commissioned by the financier Francisco Javier González Longoria, this building is the masterpiece of the Catalan architect José Grases Riera, known for his bold and innovative style that helped define the aesthetics of Art Nouveau in Spain. The facade of the Palacio de Longoria is a celebration of organic forms and natural motifs, typical of Art Nouveau, characterized by curved lines, floral decorations, and stylized plant elements. These decorative details, made of artificial stone, give the building a sense of fluidity and movement that breaks with the rigidity of traditional architecture. The facade is further enriched by an iron and glass dome made by Casa Maumejean, which beautifully illuminates the interiors with natural light. The interior of the palace is no less spectacular. The main staircase, a visually striking element, spirals elegantly under the glass dome, creating a play of light and shadow that enhances the beauty of the decorative details. The staircase railings are adorned with brass floral motifs, while the walls and ceilings are decorated with stuccoes and frescoes that reflect the refined taste of the owner. The palace was originally designed to house Longoria’s family residence and the offices of his bank. However, in 1912, the building was sold to the Compañía Dental Española, which used it as the headquarters and residence for the company’s president. Later, in 1950, the Sociedad General de Autores y Editores (SGAE) purchased the palace and transformed it into its main headquarters, a function it continues to serve to this day. The transformation of the Palacio de Longoria into the headquarters of the SGAE has allowed the building to be preserved and maintained in excellent condition. In the 1990s, a significant restoration project, led by architects Santiago Fajardo and Ángeles Hernández-Rubio Muñoyerro, restored the palace to its former glory, recovering the original interiors and restoring the deteriorated facade. Historically and socially, the palace has witnessed numerous changes. Originally a symbol of the power and wealth of Francisco Javier González Longoria, the building later became a culturally and artistically significant center. The SGAE, headquartered in the palace, is an institution that defends the rights of authors and publishers, playing a crucial role in promoting culture and creativity in Spain. An interesting anecdote related to the Palacio de Longoria concerns its similarity to the works of Antoni Gaudí. Although Grases Riera never achieved the international fame of Gaudí, his work at the Palacio de Longoria clearly shows the influence of the Catalan master, with the bold use of natural forms and attention to ornamental details that characterize Art Nouveau. Today, the Palacio de Longoria is recognized as one of the most important modernist buildings in Madrid and one of the few examples of this style in the city. Although it is not generally open to the public, its external beauty continues to attract the admiration of residents and tourists. Its presence in the urban landscape of Madrid is a constant reminder of the city’s artistic and cultural richness, an architectural treasure that continues to inspire and fascinate.