Palacio de Cristal is a glass-and-iron pavilion in El Retiro Park, near a pond in Madrid. Built in 1887 as a greenhouse for plants from the Philippines, it is now an exhibition space used by the Reina Sofía Museum. Look up through its transparent roof and walls, then walk around the pond for views of the building reflected in the water. The park setting also brings ducks, geese, swans and turtles close by. Exhibitions and temporary closures can affect access to the interior.
A greenhouse in El Retiro Park
Palacio de Cristal was built in 1887 as a greenhouse for plants from the Philippines. Its glass and iron construction was designed by Ricardo Velázquez Bosco and draws on the style of London’s Crystal Palace. The pavilion stands beside a pond in El Retiro Park, where the water reflects its transparent walls and roof.
Today, the Reina Sofía Museum uses the building for temporary exhibitions. The interior can therefore change between visits, and access may be affected by maintenance or weather-related closures. Check ahead if seeing an exhibition inside is important to your plans.
The pond and park setting
The pavilion is part of the wider El Retiro experience. Walk around the pond to view the glass structure from different angles, and look for ducks, geese, swans and turtles near the water. On a clear day, natural light passing through the glass changes the appearance of the building; the setting also draws photographers, particularly around sunset.
Set aside time for a walk through the park before or after your stop. The palace can be admired from outside when its doors are closed.
Perguntas frequentes
Is Palacio de Cristal free to visit?
The available information states that admission is free. Check ahead for any temporary closure before planning to enter.
What is Palacio de Cristal used for today?
The Reina Sofía Museum uses the pavilion for temporary exhibitions.
When was Palacio de Cristal built?
It was built in 1887 as a greenhouse for plants from the Philippines.
Where is Palacio de Cristal?
It is in El Retiro Park in Madrid, beside a pond.
