Museo Lázaro Galdiano
Good for: Spanish Art Lovers · Goya Enthusiasts · Art Lovers
1947
Bequeathed to Spain
12,000+
Collection Items
2 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
Museo Lázaro Galdiano in Madrid, Spain — the Museo Lázaro Galdiano occupies the former mansion of collector José Lázaro Galdiano on Serrano street in Madrid's Salamanca district. Open Tuesday to Saturday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed Mondays). Admission: €7 standard admission. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (2 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About Museo Lázaro Galdiano
The Museo Lázaro Galdiano occupies the former mansion of collector José Lázaro Galdiano on Serrano street in Madrid's Salamanca district. Galdiano (1862–1947) amassed one of the greatest private art collections in Spain, bequeathing it to the nation along with his library of 20,000 volumes.
The collection spans Spanish art from the Middle Ages to Goya, with outstanding works by El Greco, Velázquez, Murillo, Zurbarán, and Goya. Goya's Witches' Sabbath (El Aquelarre) and El Greco's San Sebastián are among the highlights of any Madrid museum visit outside the Prado.
The mansion itself — designed by José Espelius — provides an intimate, domestic setting for the collection, with gilded ceilings, wood panelling, and rooms arranged as Galdiano lived among his art. It feels more like visiting a great collector's home than a public institution.
Located on Paseo de la Castellana's Serrano branch, the museum is a short walk from the Santiago Bernabéu stadium and the Salamanca shopping district.
2 hours highlights route
A focused route through 5 must-see highlights at Museo Lázaro Galdiano without museum fatigue. · 2 hours
- 1
Witches' Sabbath (El Aquelarre)
📍 Goya Gallery, Second Floor
A Black Painting from Goya's Quinta del Sordo, showing the Devil as a great he-goat presiding over a coven of witches.
- 2
Saint Sebastian
📍 El Greco Gallery
El Greco's late painting of the martyred saint, with the artist's characteristic elongated figure and spiritual intensity.
- 3
The Rokeby Venus (copy after Velázquez)
📍 Velázquez Gallery
Galdiano's collection includes major works by and after Velázquez, reflecting his ambition to rival the Prado.
- 4
Portrait of a Lady
📍 Modern Gallery
A luminous Sorolla portrait exemplifying the Valencian master's handling of Mediterranean light.
- 5
Reliquary Bust of Saint Acisclus
📍 Medieval Gallery
A gem-encrusted gold reliquary bust, among the finest pieces of medieval Spanish goldwork in a private collection.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define Museo Lázaro Galdiano — and why they matter.
Witches' Sabbath (El Aquelarre)
Francisco de Goya · c. 1798
📍 Goya Gallery, Second Floor
A Black Painting from Goya's Quinta del Sordo, showing the Devil as a great he-goat presiding over a coven of witches.
Saint Sebastian
El Greco · c. 1610–1614
📍 El Greco Gallery
El Greco's late painting of the martyred saint, with the artist's characteristic elongated figure and spiritual intensity.
The Rokeby Venus (copy after Velázquez)
Workshop of Velázquez · 17th century
📍 Velázquez Gallery
Galdiano's collection includes major works by and after Velázquez, reflecting his ambition to rival the Prado.
Portrait of a Lady
Joaquín Sorolla · 1910s
📍 Modern Gallery
A luminous Sorolla portrait exemplifying the Valencian master's handling of Mediterranean light.
Reliquary Bust of Saint Acisclus
Medieval goldsmiths · 13th century
📍 Medieval Gallery
A gem-encrusted gold reliquary bust, among the finest pieces of medieval Spanish goldwork in a private collection.
Collections & highlights
- • Goya — Witches' Sabbath and portraits
- • El Greco religious paintings
- • Velázquez and Spanish Golden Age
- • Murillo and Zurbarán works
- • Sorolla and nineteenth-century Spanish art
- • Medieval goldwork and enamels
- • Arms and armour collection
- • Galdiano library — 20,000 volumes
Frequently asked questions
Is admission free at any time?
Yes — free on the last hour of every day and on Sundays.
How do I reach the museum?
Take the metro to Rubén Darío or Gregorio Marañón.
How long should I spend at Museo Lázaro Galdiano?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is Museo Lázaro Galdiano best known for?
José Lázaro Galdiano left his palace and 12,600-piece collection to the Spanish state in 1947. The museum opened in his former home Parque Florido in 1951. Key highlights include The Witches' Sabbath by Goya, Saint John the Baptist Meditating by Bosch, Ivories and enamels gallery.
How do I get tickets for Museo Lázaro Galdiano?
€7 standard admission Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.museolazarogaldiano.es/en
How does this compare to the Prado?
The Prado is larger, but Lázaro Galdiano offers an intimate mansion setting with Goya's Witches' Sabbath and major El Greco works — without the Prado's crowds.
Is the library open to visitors?
The library is accessible by appointment for researchers. The art collection is the main visitor attraction.
Why is it less well known?
Galdiano's mansion museum lacks the Prado's profile, but its Goya, El Greco, and Golden Age holdings are genuinely world-class.
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