Museo Sorolla

About the museum

In her will of 1925, Clotilde García del Castillo bequeathed to the State the family house and the collections of her husband, the painter Joaquín Sorolla, in order to create a museum in his memory. The bequest was accepted in 1931, the Museo Sorolla Foundation was established, and the museum opened in 1932, with the main floor open to the public and the painter’s son, Joaquín Sorolla García, as director. The Civil War interrupted its activity, and it reopened in 1941 with a new board of trustees.

The house was designed by the architect Enrique María de Repullés y Vargas on commission from Sorolla. The painter bought a first plot in 1905 on the former Paseo del Obelisco, today Paseo del General Martínez Campos, and an adjoining one later, after the success of his exhibitions in the United States in 1909. The house was completed in 1911 and combined workspace and living space, with three high-ceilinged studios, the salon, the dining room and a garden designed by the artist himself, one of the favourite subjects of his painting. It is one of the best-preserved artist’s houses in Europe.

In 1973 the museum was incorporated into the Patronato Nacional de Museos (National Board of Museums), and in 1993 it became formally a state-owned museum. Its collection brings together almost 9,000 cultural and documentary assets, including some 1,400 paintings by Sorolla, as well as drawings, sculpture, furniture, photography and ceramics.

The historic house is closed for a comprehensive rehabilitation. In the meantime, since 15 October 2026 the extension designed by Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos can be visited. It is an adjoining building with its own entrance on Calle de Zurbano, which houses temporary exhibition rooms and an assembly hall.

Highlights

• Extension building by Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos
• The painter’s house with his studio and garden (closed for rehabilitation works)
• Collection of some 1,400 paintings by Joaquín Sorolla
• Free admission for all visitors

Founded

1932

Operated by

Ministerio de Cultura (museo estatal) y Fundación Museo Sorolla

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

All tickets, individual and group, are free and can only be obtained in person at the museum’s ticket office; there is no online sales. Groups book through the website at least one week in advance.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Guide dogs and assistance dogs are admitted. The new entrance hall of the extension has been designed to improve access for people with reduced mobility. Visitors with an accredited disability card and a companion do not queue to enter.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum organises family workshop visits, for example for children aged 3 to 6 accompanied by an adult. There is a breastfeeding room.

Getting there & parking

Access via Paseo del General Martínez Campos is closed because of the works; enter via Calle de Zurbano, 68. BiciMAD stations no. 125 (Calle de Fernández de la Hoz, 29) and no. 141 (Paseo de la Castellana, 43).

Amenities & dining

• Coat check
• Lockers

Cloakroom with lockers of various sizes; backpacks, coats and large bags must be left there. There is a breastfeeding room.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit