Mike's review
Visited 2025I found the Palacio de Cristal closed, but I still liked it from the outside. Ricardo Velázquez Bosco designed it in 1887 as a greenhouse for tropical plants in the Philippines Exposition, when the Philippines was a Spanish colony. Its cast-iron frame and large glass walls were meant to turn the building itself into part of the display.
The Reina Sofía has used it for temporary installations since 1990. It is currently closed for architectural restoration, so do not plan around seeing an exhibition inside. Walk around the pond instead. The glass, brick base, and ceramic details are all visible from the park paths.
From the source
Ricardo Velázquez Bosco’s iron-and-glass pavilion in El Retiro, built in 1887 as a greenhouse for the Philippines Exposition and later used by the Reina Sofía for temporary art.
Supporting source: Legacy import provenance
Plan your visit
Hours
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The Museo Reina Sofía states that the Retiro Park galleries, including the Palacio de Cristal, are temporarily closed for architectural renovations.
Admission
- Adults
- €0
- · The Palacio de Cristal itself is temporarily closed. The museum notes that you can currently view the installation that covers the building from the park.
Booking
No booking needed
When to go
- Time of day: Morning, Afternoon
Features & amenities
What to expect
- Café on site
- Indoor
What to bring
- comfortable shoes
- light layer
Good to know
- Accessibility unknown
- No guide needed
- Kid-friendly
- Stroller-friendly
Tags
More near here
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