Museo Lázaro Galdiano, Madrid

The palatial building that now houses the Lázaro Galdiano Museum was constructed in 1903 as the residence for Lázaro Galdiano and his wife. The interiors feature elaborate baroque painted ceilings commissioned by Galdiano.

Upon his death in 1947, Lázaro Galdiano bequeathed his entire personal collection, comprising over 12,000 items, to the Spanish State. This act formed the basis for the future museum.

The Fundación Lázaro Galdiano was established in 1948, setting the institutional framework for the preservation and eventual public display of Lázaro Galdiano's collection.

Following the creation of the Fundación Lázaro Galdiano, refurbishment works were carried out in the building, led by Fernando Chueca Goitia, to prepare it for its conversion into a museum.

The Lázaro Galdiano Museum was officially inaugurated on 27 January 1951, opening its doors to the public and making Lázaro Galdiano's extensive art collection accessible.

In 1962, the museum building was officially declared a _Bien de Interés Cultural_ (Asset of Cultural Interest), recognizing its historical and architectural significance within Spain.

The museum building is noted for its Neo-Renaissance architectural style, reflecting the aesthetic preferences of its original owner and builder, Lázaro Galdiano.

The museum's collection encompasses valuable works ranging from the prehistoric period up to the nineteenth century, with a notable emphasis on Iberian art and craftsmanship.

The library within the museum grounds holds Lázaro Galdiano's significant collection of incunabula and manuscripts, forming a crucial part of his bequeathed legacy.