Liria Palace

Built in the 18th century, Liria Palace is the official Madrid residence of the House of Alba, a family with an important and ancient lineage that is closely entwined with Spanish history.

For over six centuries its members have been important art collectors and custodians. In the palace, their descendants showcase not only the magnificence of the exquisite building but also part of its private art collection, which is among the largest accumulated by European aristocrats. It ranges from works acquired more than five centuries ago to several Impressionists to more modern paintings, and features important works by Goya, such as his Duchess of Alba in White, and others by Velázquez, Murillo, Zurbarán, El Greco, Ribera, Rubens and Titian (including his portrait of the Duke). Visitors can now enjoy a unique collection that includes sculptures, tapestries, furniture and etchings distributed throughout the different rooms, as well as a spectacular library that contains historical documents.

The building which was commissioned by the third Duke of Berwick and Liria, Jacobo Fitz-James Stuart y Colón, was built between 1767 and 1785 by architects Louis Guilbert and Ventura Rodriguez (the man behind Cibeles and Neptuno fountains). 

The palace now offers guided tours in groups of up to 20 people. Lasting around 65 minutes, it takes visitors to over a dozen rooms on the ground and first floors of the palace. Particularly noteworthy is the library which is home to more than 18,000 prints, including the first edition of Don Quixote, and invaluable documents such as the largest collection of handwritten manuscripts from Christopher Columbus.

New Contemporary Art Exhibition Hall

As of February 2024, the old palace stables are now home to a new contemporary art space, which has been officially unveiled with an exhibition of works by Mexican artist Denise de la Rue. Entitled A New World, the display features more than 20 sculptures created specifically for this occasion, based on the 21 handwritten letters of Christopher Columbus in the palace collection and inspired by artefacts and objects that have been present on NASA missions and a series of meteorite recreations.

All tickets to the palace or the exhibition Fashion in the House of Alba include free access to this exhibition.