Museo de San Isidro. Los Orígenes de Madrid

About the museum

The Museo de San Isidro. Los Orígenes de Madrid opened in 2000 on the site of the former palace of the counts of Paredes de Nava, in the La Latina district. The building is linked to the house where San Isidro, the city's patron saint, lived, and it preserves a 16th-century Renaissance courtyard, a 17th-century chapel and the Pozo del Milagro (Well of the Miracle), connected with the saint's tradition.

The permanent exhibition covers more than 600 m² and traces half a million years of history in three areas: “Antes de Madrid” (Before Madrid), with prehistoric, Roman and Visigothic remains; “Mayrit/Madrid”, on the Islamic foundation, the incorporation into the Castilian kingdom and the arrival of the Court under Philip II; and a space devoted to San Isidro and the traditions of his time.

Among its pieces, the “Virgen de la Leche” (Virgin of the Milk) by Pedro Berruguete stands out. The museum also offers a visitable store with archaeological and palaeontological remains from Madrid sites, and an archaeobotanical garden with plants documented in medieval Madrid.

Highlights

• History of Madrid from prehistory to the establishment of the Court
• 16th-century Renaissance courtyard, chapel and Well of the Miracle
• “Virgen de la Leche” by Pedro Berruguete
• Visitable store with archaeological and palaeontological remains
• Archaeobotanical garden with plants from medieval Madrid

Permanent exhibition

• Los orígenes de Madrid – Permanent exhibition of more than 600 m² that, through a selection of pieces, reviews the history of the town from prehistory to the establishment of the Court, including Islamic Madrid and the figure of San Isidro.

Founded

2000

Operated by

Ayuntamiento de Madrid (Museos Municipales)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The building is accessible, with ramps and platforms for people with reduced mobility, except the Pozo del Milagro, the Renaissance courtyard and the chapel. The toilets are not adapted. Wheelchairs and walking-stick seats are available.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

There are BiciMAD stations at Plaza de los Carros (opposite number 2 of Carrera de San Francisco) and at Plaza de la Cebada, 3.

Amenities & dining

• Wi-Fi

Free wifi (according to the municipal tourist listing). The museum has a library and a botanical trail.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit