If you want to visit a museum to find out more about Spanish painting, the Prado is of course a must, but you can also choose a very pleasant alternative: the Sorolla Museum. Visiting this former home of the painter Joaquín Sorolla (1863-1923) was a nice surprise for us and for our families who came to visit. What is this museum? What practical information do you need to organise your visit? We’ll tell you all about it.
Who was the painter Joaquín Sorolla?
This Spanish painter was born in Valencia in 1863 and died in 1923. In the 1880s, in Paris, he discovered Impressionism, which had a major influence on his style. His painting is also known as luminism, because he also painted a lot of plays of light, particularly in his series of paintings of bathing scenes or scenes on the beach, which are not only very famous but also quite impressive for amateurs like us.
His portraits and drawings of his family are also famous and provide an insight into his world.
If you’re looking for an “accessible” painting exhibition while discovering a great name in Spanish painting, the Sorolla museum is really perfect. It’s not too big, and there are some very beautiful paintings, as well as objects, jewellery and furniture that allow you to alternate between the paintings. And of course the magnificent garden!
It can therefore be adapted for children, but beware that the rooms are a little cramped. With toddlers who obviously love to touch everything, the visit can become a bit ‘sporty’…
The Sorolla Museum: a former home of the painter
In the Chambéri district, this museum, founded by the artist’s wife, is in fact the painter’s former home. It consists of two plots of land bought by the painter in the early 1900s. It was here that he built his residence and a magnificent garden. You can discover his house at the same time as his works. There is a large collection of paintings and drawings, as well as many objects that once belonged to him. Don’t hesitate to take a stroll around the gardens, which make this place so special and magical. The flower-filled patio with its fountains was meticulously designed by the painter.
Tickets and guided tours of the Sorolla Museum
Prices :
The museum is really not expensive: 3 euros or even free for certain groups (under 18s, students, over 65s).Tickets available online.
Good to know, there are also free days/slots: Saturdays from 2pm and Sundays.
Guided tours :
Personally, we tried out the audio-guide in French (but you can put it on in English, of course), and it was very good. It was very informative and not at all boring.
For children:
Good to know: There are workshops organised for children. Some are apparently free. Don’t hesitate to find out more on the museum’s website.
We really recommend this museum as a change from the “great classics” in Madrid. If you’ve already visited the Prado, the Reina Sofia… or if you simply don’t feel like visiting these great museums, don’t hesitate to plan this more intimate and very interesting museum visit.
For a shady break between two visits, don’t hesitate to take advantage of Madrid’s beautiful parks.
Continue reading about the museums of Madrid :
Emilie