Have you ever wondered what secrets a seemingly ordinary building holds? Before you stands the Centro Entomológico Manuel Ortego a hidden gem nestled within Madrid’s Casa de Campo. This isn’t just any museum. It’s a testament to a father and son’s lifelong passion a legacy of meticulous collecting and a window into the incredible diversity of insect life.
The Centro Entomológico Manuel Ortego houses one of Spain’s most significant collections of beetles and butterflies. Imagine 22400 insects from 96 countries across five continents. Each meticulously preserved specimen tells a story of faraway lands painstaking expeditions and a deep appreciation for nature’s smallest wonders. These insects rest in 186 entomological boxes. They represent a vast tapestry of life a breathtaking panorama of color and form.
The story begins in 1940. Young Manuel Ortego Forniés a boy with a keen eye for detail started collecting insects in the Casa de Campo. His passion wasn’t just a hobby. It became a life’s work. He continued collecting until 1979. His travels extended beyond Madrid’s borders. He collected specimens in the Manzanares meadows Dehesa de la Villa El Pardo and even in Italy where he worked as a painter. He also traded specimens with colleagues worldwide. His son Manuel Ortego Gamboa continued the tradition expanding the collection even further. Their combined efforts resulted in an astonishing collection spanning decades.
The family generously donated the entire collection to the city of Madrid in 2018. A condition of the donation? That the collection remain intact and accessible to the public for educational purposes. This ensures that the Ortegos’ legacy lives on educating visitors about biodiversity and inspiring a new generation of naturalists.
The building itself is a marvel. Once a humble administrative building housing the lake’s water treatment plant it was transformed in 2019. The renovation created a beautiful space dedicated to celebrating this unique collection. Inside you’ll find specialized cabinets protecting the delicate specimens from harmful light. High-resolution microscopes connect to computers allowing visitors to examine the insects in remarkable detail. Informative panels enhance the experience guiding visitors through the intricacies of the collection. And don’t miss Manuel Ortego Forniés’s own illustrations which add an artistic dimension to the scientific display.
The Centro Entomológico Manuel Ortego is more than just a collection. It’s a tribute to unwavering dedication a testament to the beauty of the natural world and a lasting gift to the city of Madrid. It’s a place where science and art intertwine inspiring curiosity and wonder in all who visit. So step inside and prepare to be amazed.