Sorolla Museum
Madrid, Comunidad de
The Sorolla Museum is a dedicated single-artist museum located in Madrid, Spain, devoted to the life and works of Joaquín Sorolla and his family. Housed in the artist's former home and workshop, the museum retains much of the original atmosphere of the early 20th-century residence designed by architect Enrique María Repullés in 1911. Visitors can explore Sorolla's spacious, well-lit studio filled with his canvases, alongside other rooms displaying a rich collection of his paintings and personal objects gathered during his lifetime. The museum also features temporary exhibitions on the upper floor, enriching the visitor experience. It is recognized as one of the best-preserved artists' homes in Europe and holds the status of a National Museum of Spain, attached to the Ministry of Culture. Currently, the museum is closed for extensive renovations, with a planned reopening in 2026, while part of the collection is temporarily exhibited at the Royal Collections Gallery. The museum's origins trace back to the wishes of Sorolla's widow, Clotilde García del Castillo, who donated the house and artworks to the Spanish state to honor her husband's legacy.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their visit outside the current renovation period, as the museum is closed until 2026. It is advisable to check for temporary exhibitions at the Royal Collections Gallery where part of Sorolla's works are displayed. Early spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring the museum's garden and surrounding area. Booking tickets in advance is recommended to avoid queues once the museum reopens. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups.
Interesting facts
- •The museum is housed in one of the best-preserved artists' homes in Europe.
- •The building was specifically designed by Enrique María Repullés in 1911 to serve as both Sorolla's residence and studio.
- •Sorolla's large studio features walls covered with his canvases, providing an immersive artistic environment.
- •The museum was created following the wishes of Sorolla's widow, who donated the house and artworks to the Spanish state.
- •Part of the museum's collection is currently exhibited at the Royal Collections Gallery during renovations.
- •The museum attracted over 345,000 visitors in 2023, reflecting its growing popularity.
History
The Sorolla Museum was established in the artist's former home, built in 1911 by Enrique María Repullés to combine living and working spaces with a garden.
After Joaquín Sorolla's death in 1923, his widow Clotilde García del Castillo bequeathed the property and artworks to the Spanish state in 1925 to create a museum honoring him.
The museum was inaugurated in 1932 under the direction of Sorolla's son, Joaquín Sorolla García.
Over the decades, the museum expanded its collection through further donations and became part of the National Museums of Spain.
It was declared a national historic-artistic monument in 1962.
Since 2022, the museum has been undergoing significant renovations and expansion, temporarily closing in 2024 with plans to reopen in 2026.
Place Guide
Sorolla's Studio1911
The artist's spacious and luminous studio where Sorolla painted many of his masterpieces. The walls are covered with his canvases, offering insight into his creative process.
Permanent Galleries
Rooms displaying a broad selection of Sorolla's paintings, showcasing his mastery in capturing light and color, including famous works like 'Strolling along the Seashore' and 'Types and Bride of Lagartera'.
Garden1911
A charming garden adjoining the house, designed as part of the original property, providing a tranquil setting and complementing the museum's ambiance.
Contact
Phone: 913 10 15 84
