National Museum of Decorative Arts

With more than 60 rooms on five floors of a historic palace, the National Museum of Decorative Arts houses some of the finest furniture, decorative arts, glassware and ceramics in Spain. Elaborate tapestries, carvings, and figurines from primarily the 16th and 17th centuries are featured throughout. Its noteworthy 18th-century kitchen features more than 1,500 tiles depicting local life at the time. Though the majority of the objects are Spanish, there is some Asian art from China and Japan as well.
It is a great place to get a sense of the changes in everyday objects and design over time, with objects dating as early as the 14th century. Though much of the collection is Baroque in style, you can also find modernist pieces from the Art Nouveau movement. Chests of drawers, rugs, cabinets, and desks are seen as important works of art that reflect their period in history. A stroll though the elegant museum displays and you’re sure to share that sentiment. 

Practical Info

The National Museum of Decorative Arts overlooks the Parque del Retiro. To get there take the metro L2 to Banco de España y Retiro, or the Cercanías train to Recoletos. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 3 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm and costs €3 to enter.