Founded by Carlos III in 1771 as the Royal Cabinet of Natural History, it occupies the Palacio de las Artes y la Industria, begun in 1882 on the Altos del Hipódromo by Fernando de la Torriente. Its origin is the collection of the Guayaquil-born merchant Pedro Franco Dávila, given to the Crown.
- Address
- Calle de José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid
- Hours
- Tue-Fri 10:00-17:00, Sat-Sun and holidays 10:00-20:00; closed Mon (except holidays), 1 and 6 Jan, 1 May, 25 Dec; August 10:00-15:00
- Best time to go
- Morning, Afternoon · About 2 h
- Price
- EUR 7 general, EUR 3.50 reduced; free Sundays 17:00-20:00 (esmadrid.com 2026)
- Price level
- €€
- Free entry
- Sundays 17:00-20:00
Details can change. Check hours and prices before you go.
Good to know
- Free on Sundays from 17:00 to 20:00; expect families and a queue.
- The Castellana hill behind it holds the Residencia de Estudiantes and the Museo Sorolla is a 10-minute walk away.