The exhibition 'theatre of grandeur: art, architecture and city in baroque Madrid' will open on 20 October at the Teatro Fernán Gómez, featuring more than 180 artworks from the baroque era, many of which have never been displayed in Spain before. The event is organised by the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Urban Landscape of the Madrid City Council, in collaboration with the National Library of Spain and the Community of Madrid.
This extensive showcase examines the artistic and architectural developments in Madrid from the 16th to the 18th centuries. It includes pieces from prestigious institutions such as the Museo Nacional del Prado, the National Library of Spain, and the Vatican Museums, among others. Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in guided tours, and 'baroque Tuesdays' will allow free access to the exhibition.
The exhibition is curated by Fernando Checa Cremades and Delfín Rodríguez Ruiz, with technical curation by Helena Pérez Gallardo. It highlights how Madrid transformed from a small village of 7,000 inhabitants into a bustling capital with over 90,000 residents, adapting to the needs of the monarchy and a complex court society following the establishment of the royal court in 1561.
Significant sites such as the Royal Alcázar and the Plaza Mayor became central to political and ceremonial life, while new palaces, churches, convents, gardens, and public squares reshaped the city’s image. The baroque style influenced not just monuments but also the daily life and experiences of its citizens. Madrid emerged as a hub for the exchange of artists, artworks, and ideas with major European capitals, particularly influenced by Rome, while also adapting Italian and French models to create a unique artistic language.
The exhibition is divided into ten thematic sections, including 'Artists and writers at the King's court', 'Topography of the city', and 'The triumph of baroque in the Madrid of Charles II'. Visitors can expect to see works by renowned artists such as Velázquez, Alonso Cano, and Bernini, providing a unique insight into the cultural legacy of the baroque period.
Notably, the exhibition will feature pieces from the Hochosterwitz Castle Museum in Austria, including portraits of prominent baroque figures and exceptional views of Madrid. A scientific catalogue accompanying the exhibition will include over thirty articles and cataloguing entries by leading researchers in baroque architecture and art.
Guided tours lasting 60 minutes will be available for groups of 20, running from Tuesday to Sunday, with sessions in the morning and afternoon. The exhibition will be open from 10:00 to 20:00, Tuesday to Sunday, until 17 January. General admission is priced at €6, with reduced tickets available for €3. Guided tours will cost €10 for general admission and €5 for reduced tickets, which apply to seniors, unemployed individuals, and families with multiple children, among others. Free entry will be granted to those under 18, caregivers of individuals with disabilities, active teachers, and members of certain cultural organisations. Additionally, a weekly free access day will be held on 'baroque Tuesdays' for all visitors.
