The best museums in Madrid off the beaten track

Intriguing artifacts in a beautiful mansion, cave paintings preserved for 20,000 years, Spain’s eventful naval history, and local art in intimate galleries. Madrid’s hidden world of museums is waiting.

Laura Barbero Eugenio

A trip to Madrid would not be complete without a look around at least one of the world-class galleries located within the “Golden Art Triangle”: the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza or Reina Sofia. But there are many more museums in Madrid that offer incredible experiences.

Sorolla heads the Spanish galleries

The Museo Sorolla is a treasure for any art lover. Located in what was the home of artist Joaquin Sorolla, it gives you a real sense of the subtleties of the Spanish light, which he captured in some of his greatest pieces, and lets you admire them in his own private surroundings. And if you like this intimacy, Juan José from our Palacio de Tepa hotel advises you to take a stroll along Calle San Pedro and Alameda where you’ll stumble across some unassuming but surprisingly impressive galleries owned by local artists.

Compelling mansion collection and fascinating trip underground

Maybe paintings are not your thing. There’s a wonderful collection of jewelry, artifacts, coins, swords and much more spread throughout the 30 rooms of the Museo Lázaro Galdiano, a mansion situated on the other side of the Paseo de la Castellana from Museo Sorolla. It’s a fascinating way to spend a couple of spare hours according to Beatriz, part of the Guest Relations team at NH Collection Madrid Abascal

Another hidden gem, she says, is Anden 0 (Platform 0, in English), the historical Chamberí station, which takes you underground and explains the engaging story of the city of Madrid with a focus on its vast network of metro tunnels.

Naval history, books and ancient archaeology

And Madrid’s cultural options continue, explains Lillian from our Paseo del Prado hotel which is on the doorstep of three museums that you’ll surely love. The city’s Museo Naval takes you through the eventful history of the Spanish Navy, which dates back to the 16th century. Book lovers are in luck too, especially those that appreciate wonderful architecture. She’d point you towards the Biblioteca Nacional, which was founded in 1712 in the Palacio Real, but now sits on Recoletos in a building that dates from 1866, one of the world’s most extensive libraries. Now books are one thing but our man at NH Collection Madrid Suecia, Pablo Rodríguez, is a long-time admirer of the National Archaeological Museum (MAN), in the central Salamanca district. There you can see first-hand the Iberian bust of  The Lady of Elche from the 4th century BC and you can marvel at the extraordinary rock paintings displayed in a replica of the Cantabrian cave of Altamira.

Very close to these museums in Madrid you will be able to find the NH Collection Madrid Colón, a real treat for your senses. Its windows have views over the square itself! It also has an outdoor swimming pool and a terrace on the fourth floor that will allow you to enjoy Madrid's nightlife without having to leave the hotel.

Learn about anthropology in Madrid

The National Museum of Anthropology is located a stone's throw from Atocha station and the Retiro Park. Shortly after the opening of the MAN, in 1875 to be precise, King Alfonso XII inaugurated the Anatomical Museum. At that time, the collections were made up of objects belonging to the three "kingdoms of nature", which are mineral, vegetable and animal. Some anthropological artifacts and antiquities were also included.

 
Known for its myths and legends, in 1940 it changed its name to the Ethnographic and Anthropological Museum and was filled with collections reflecting the ethnography of the world's cultures. The goal? To transmit respect and interculturality. Make the most of your visit to Madrid with your little ones and then relax on the boats at Retiro. Who gets to row? You don't need to be an expert, but you do need a lot of skill. Will you be the chosen one?
 
Just a few minutes from Atocha station is the NH Collection Madrid Paseo del Prado. A hotel where you can enjoy its central location, views of the Plaza de Neptuno, a wonderful menu and tapas prepared by the 2 Michelin-starred chef, Paco Roncero.

Caixa and Mapfre giving back to the people

Two large companies have become well known by Madrileños for their cultural offerings open to the public all year round. The CaixaForum, not far from the Prado, has visitors with camera in hand before they even go inside as they admire the 15,000-plant botanical façade that adorns one of the outside walls. Once you enter you’ll be equally impressed as you peruse the 700 pieces of art from over the past 50 years or so that make up the permanent collection and the temporary exhibitions that are specially selected.

The other cultural delight allows you to marvel at paintings, photography, sculptures and more thanks to the Fundación Mapfre. At any given time, you will find a variety of exhibitions and, if you get a chance, check out some of the past collections on their webpage using the virtual tour.

Explore the cosmos at the Madrid Planetarium

The Madrid Planetarium is a centre for learning about the cosmos and its history. You'll have a lot of fun with all the activities they offer, especially in summer! Whatever the time of year, get ready to see concerts and exhibitions under the stars. Enjoy the sky and the stars like never before in their projection room. This is where a variety of audiovisual events take place, and you’ll also be able to see the sky live!

Museums in Madrid for all audiences: firefighters, railways and natural sciences

In Madrid, we also find museums that help us to learn a little more about our past from different perspectives. The National Museum of Natural Sciences is a must, especially if you're visiting with your family. It has an extensive collection, gathered over more than two centuries, which currently includes a whale’s skeleton, a giant squid and an African elephant, as well as the must-have dinosaur fossils. 
 
A very different but equally interesting collection is offered by the Railway Museum, located in the old Delicias station. Just looking at the iron building is impressive enough: for a long time, it was thought to be designed by the same architect as the Eiffel Tower. But its interior is even better: beautiful trains from the last century and a half that were used in Spain, including steam, traction and diesel locomotives. The clock room houses the one used to start the country's first train journey; in another room we can enjoy incredible models, in motion! For two weekends every month, this facility hosts the popular Mercado de Motores, with musical performances, food stalls and a variety of handicrafts.
 
Another kind of movement and activity is what brings us to the Firefighters Museum, reopened in 2022 after eight years of renovation. In addition to vehicles from different eras and all kinds of tools, there is also an overview of the history of the corps, from the so-called fire extinguishers of the 17th century to the importance of this profession today. There are also different workshops and activities for any visitor to have a great time.

More than the Prado, Thyssen and Reina Sofia

Our Guest Relations teams across Madrid agree; the exhibits of the Golden Art Triangle can match any from around the world, but don’t stop at just the most famous museums in Madrid when you visit. Try out some of their recommendations and bring memories back home from these museums from off the beaten track.


Planning your trip to Madrid? Check out our Madrid hotels in City Center.

Author: Laura Barbero Eugenio

Guest Relations Manager of NH Collection Madrid Paseo del Prado

I am a native Madrilenian, but even if I weren’t, I would choose to be one. This city captivates you in every one of its streets, and I can pour my passion for it by showing the hidden wonders of Madrid to anyone willing to discover them. Being a Guest Relations means being a host, an ambassador for a city that always has something new to offer. It’s a job where hospitality turns into art, and each day is a new adventure to uncover.

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