{Spain} Museo del Romanticismo

100 Museums Challenge: Museum No.52

The very last museum I visited on my recent Madrid trip, was the Museo del Romanticismo. They are active followers of Museum140 on Twitter and have taken part in several of our projects, so I felt I had to visit them as a matter of courtesy if nothing else. But it actually turned out to be one of my Madrid favourites, and sipping some Spanish hot chocolate in the beautiful little oasis of a museum garden afterwards was the perfect way to end my trip. And although I wasn’t able to meet the girl who runs their Twitter account, she had left a little gift for me at the ticket desk which was a lovely surprise. Thank you again!

The museum was founded in 1924 as the Museo Romántico, and relaunched in 2009 under its current, new name. Housed in a late eighteenth-century building, the museum recreates the daily life and customs of the gentry during the Romantic period, which originated in Europe at was at its peak approximately during the first half of the nineteenth-century. I was handed a little booklet in English when I received my ticket, which guided me through the rooms. It had just the right length and tone of voice (not too long, not too academic) and I did actually read it all. Whilst I had enjoyed just taking in all the lavish surroundings at Museo Cerralbo, without any further context, a few hours before, I found it interesting to find out a little bit more about each of the rooms at Museo del Romanticism as I toured the building. Here are a few pictures to give you an idea of what the museum was like, though if you find yourself in Madrid I would definitely recommend a visit. And don’t forget to bring enough time for a stop over in the museum garden café!

Here’s one for all of you who are freaked out by scary look dolls! (sorry, I know I’m a bit evil)

And what’s going on here with her dog!??

Museo del Romanticismo is open Tuesdays to Sundays, closed on Mondays and some public holidays. Full admission is 3 Euros, with concessions available and free admission for under 18s, over 65s and some other groups, as well as free entry for all on Saturdays from 2pm. An up to date overview of opening times and admission prices can be found on the museum website.