The Glass Palace

The Crystal Palace of the Retiro, in Madrid

The Crystal Palace is a magnificent pavilion of glass and iron, nestled in the heart of the Retiro park. The Madrid audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this jewel of nineteenth-century architecture, set by a small lake, which hosts art exhibitions.

The glass pavilion by the lake

The Crystal Palace is one of the finest and most romantic buildings of the Retiro park. This splendid pavilion of glass and metal structure was built in 1887 by the architect Ricardo Velázquez Bosco, on the occasion of an exhibition. Inspired by the great greenhouses and crystal palaces of the era, it is composed of a vast transparent structure topped with a dome, which lets in the light in floods. Nestled among the vegetation, it stands by a small lake where ducks swim and that cypresses line, its image reflecting prettily in the water. A place of great poetry, the Crystal Palace today hosts contemporary art exhibitions. Elegant and luminous, it is one of the most enchanting sites of the Retiro and Madrid, to discover during the walk in the park.

What to see

Here you admire the splendid pavilion of glass and metal structure topped with a dome, built in 1887 by Ricardo Velázquez Bosco, nestled among the vegetation by a small lake lined with cypresses where it is reflected, which hosts contemporary art exhibitions. The Crystal Palace is one of the most enchanting sites of Madrid. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Crystal Palace lies in the heart of the Retiro park, in Madrid, reachable on foot. Access is generally free according to the hours of the park and the exhibitions, which vary. The light there is particularly beautiful; it is best to check the arrangements before coming.

When was the Crystal Palace of the Retiro built in Madrid?

In 1887, by the architect Ricardo Velázquez Bosco, on the occasion of an exhibition; this pavilion of glass and iron topped with a dome, by a small lake, today hosts contemporary art exhibitions.

Where is the Crystal Palace of the Retiro?

In the heart of the Retiro park, in Madrid, in Spain.