Dare to imagine a world crafted with meticulous detail. Here at the Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas, that world comes to life.
The Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas stands as a testament to the beauty of craftsmanship. It is one of the oldest museums in Madrid. The museum is located within the Golden Triangle of Art. You can find it south of the Puerta de Alcalá and west of the Buen Retiro Park.
Established by Royal Decree in 1912, it was initially named the National Museum of Industrial Arts. Its creation followed a precedent set during Amadeo I’s reign. Back then, an Industrial Museum was established. The Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas aimed to be a hub for research. It was designed as a learning space for artisans, manufacturers, and designers. It drew inspiration from London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. It also mirrored the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. The museum particularly emphasizes the 16th and 17th centuries.
Initially, the Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas occupied six rooms on Sacramento Street. This was in El Madrid de los Austrias. In 1932, it relocated to its current home on Montalbán Street. This 19th-century mansion was built by the Duchess of Santoña in the 1880s. The state acquired the building in 1941. This allowed for renovations. In 1962, the building and collections were declared a Bien de Interés Cultural. Today, the Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas has 62 rooms. These rooms spread over five floors.
Inside, you’ll discover collections of great interest. They are both ethnographic and artistically crafted. The museum boasts ceramics, furniture, jewelry, textiles, and Oriental arts. Approximately 15000 of its 70000 objects are loaned to other museums. The Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas primarily showcases Spanish decorative arts. However, it also features pieces from other countries. These are mostly ceramics and luxury items. Many rooms recreate scenes from the past. They use original furnishings and other pieces. One highlight is the recreation of 18th-century kitchens.
The furniture collection spans from the 14th century. Pieces from this era are rare treasures. The gothic to baroque collection is the best in a Spanish public museum. National Heritage collections primarily feature the 18th century and later. The Oriental Arts collection highlights porcelains from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Some pieces were even created in China for Spanish families. They feature their family arms. The Oriental collection also includes Chinese imperial robes and musical instruments. You’ll also find scroll paintings and bronzes.
The ceramics section includes about 4000 pieces. They are made of clay, pottery, and porcelain. The oldest is an 11th-century jar from Toledo. You’ll see works from Spain’s main producers. Manises, Talavera de la Reina, and Cerámica de Teruel are all represented. The Spanish porcelain section features pieces from Porcelana de Alcora. You can also see the Real Fábrica del Buen Retiro and Royal Factory of La Moncloa.
The glass collection spans from 4th-century BC Greece to the Roman Empire. You can also see pieces from the Visigoths. The museum features ceramic fragments from Seville dating to the 11th-12th century. There are Persian ceramics from the 14th-16th century. The museum also has unique pieces by René Lalique and Real Fábrica de Cristales de La Granja.
Textiles include clothing and household furnishings. Silk from 15th-century Granada is included. Pieces range from the 2nd century to the present. Cloth types include damask and velvet. There is also embroidery, lace, fans, purses, and dance cards. Carpets from Cuenca and Alcaraz of the 15th through the 17th centuries are very rare.
The Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas offers a journey through time. It showcases the evolution of decorative arts. Each piece tells a story. It reflects the skills and tastes of its era. As you leave, consider the legacy of these artisans. Their dedication shaped our world. The Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas preserves their stories for generations to come.