¿Are you looking for a spot with history, art and beauty in the heart of Madrid? The Liria Palace, headquarters of the Casa de Alba Foundation and official residence of the Duke of Alba, opens its doors to offer you a unique experience. Located in the Argüelles neighborhood, this impressive building surprises those who pass by its majestic façade and enter its French-inspired private gardens.
A walk through history
The Liria Palace was built in 1767 by Jacobo Fitz-James Stuart and designed by Ventura Rodríguez. The four-storey building, with over 200 rooms, suffered severe damage during the Civil War but was restored by Manuel Cabaynes, who retained its original design and added a grand staircase and a remarkable library.
Dreamy gardens
Among the hidden treasures of the Liria Palace are its gardens, a mixture of Baroque flowerbeds, tree-lined avenues and natural lawns that frame the rear of the building. The classic geometry and sculptures, together with plant species brought from different places, make this space the perfect setting for strolling, relaxing and enjoying the tranquillity.
Art and culture in every room
If there is something that surprises the visitor is walking through the interior of the Liria Palace, which is like visiting a private museum were works by Goya, Velázquez, Rubens and Ingres coexist. More than 20 rooms display centuries of history and art collections, of art with tributes to the Spanish, Flemish and Italian schools. Figures such as Charles Chaplin, Audrey Hepburn and Queen Sofía have walked through these rooms, witnesses to the wealth and artistic diversity of the House of Alba.
The library: a hidden treasure
If you love books, the library of the Liria Palace will fascinate you. Its more than 18,000 volumes include gems such as an original edition of El Quijote from 1605 and a unique collection of autographed letters from Christopher Columbus. The historical archive contains more than 50,000 items, including Ferdinand the Catholic’s will. Although the 1936 fire damaged some of the documents, most have been recovered, keeping the traces of the past alive.
Contemporary art and tradition in the Liria Palace
Until August 31st, you have the opportunity to be amazed by «Flamboyant», Joana Vasconcelos’ temporary exhibition at the Palacio de Liria. For the first time, the renowned Portuguese artist installed more than forty pieces in spaces that, until now, had remained hidden from the public.
Recognized for her monumental sculptures and immersive installations, she works with everyday objects and redefines the concept of arts and crafts in the 21st century, creating relationships between the private and the public, popular heritage and academic culture.
Vasconcelos explores themes such as the status of women, consumer society and collective identity using elements such as humor and irony.
Vasconcelos’ sculptures and monumental installations coexist with the works of geniuses such as Velázquez, Goya and Titian, creating a unique atmosphere where the past and present intertwine, making the Liria Palace a lively and vibrant setting, capable of uniting tradition and the avant-garde.
Discover how contemporary art transforms the rooms and gardens of one of Madrid‘s most iconic landmarks. Let the magic of Vasconcelos and the majesty of the Liria Palace awaken your senses and invite you to an experience brimming with emotion and beauty.
It’s the perfect time to experience Madrid from a different perspective!
Why visit the Liria Palace?
- Enjoy a guided visit through rooms filled with art and culture.
- Discover gardens that look like something out of a fairytale.
- Immerse yourself in the history of Madrid and the House of Alba.
- Access one of the most important literary and documentary archives in Europe.
If you want to live a different experience and immerse into the living history of the capital, the Liria Palace is a must-see on your sightseeing tour through Madrid.