Madrid Museo Cerralbo - Review, Hours & Map

Madrid Museo Cerralbo Front

Museo Cerralbo in Madrid is a museum based inside an ordinary looking town house. Inside however, is extra-ordinary! The house was owned by the Marquis Cerralbo, who travelled the world acquiring fine items to bring back to his Madrid home. He then transformed the interior into his own palace with many fine features to see. Your visit will include both the house and garden.

Madrid Museo Cerralbo Stairs

The house retains its ‘lived-in’ character and such, there are no information boards in the rooms you enter. Instead, you’ll be given an information sheet which explains what each room was used for and some of points out the notable features. Although there are 4 floors in the mansion, you will see just the two floors that were used daily by the Marquis and Marquise. Your self-guided tour will start at the incredible main staircase, which is sumptuous in both colour, artworks and original features.

Madrid Museo Cerralbo reception room

You will also visit rooms described by their colours, hallways, reception rooms, the billiard room, library, the armoury, the garden, dining room, bedrooms and the striking Arab room. Here there are collectable exhibits from China, Japan, the Philippines, Morocco and New Zealand. These rooms were fashionable at the time as areas for smoking tobacco.

Madrid Museu Cerralbo Oriental Room

The most impressive room of all is the finale to your tour. How many homes in Madrid have their own ballroom? It’s decorated with agate from Granada and marble from the Pyrenees and all around large Venetian mirrors are hung which make it feel larger than it actually is. There are also oil paintings on the ceiling dating back to the 1890s.

Madrid Museo Cerralbo Ballroom

Museo Cerralbo is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30am to 3pm, Thursday evening from 5pm to 8pm and Sundays and holidays from 10am to 3pmk. Adult admission is 3 Euros (2017 prices) and is one of the best value attractions you will visit in Madrid.