Museo Tecnológico del Vidrio

About the museum

The Real Fábrica de Cristales de La Granja was founded in the 18th century, under the new Bourbon dynasty, as one of the most important royal manufactories in Spain at the time. These factories, financed and protected by the Crown, sought to reduce imports of foreign luxury goods and to supply ornamental pieces to the royal palaces and residences. The techniques of enlightened Europe were applied there, with hydraulic machines driven by large water wheels (norias) to grind and polish glass plates.

The present building was erected between 1770 and 1784 to plans by Joseph Díaz, known as Gamones, and has about 25,000 m² of built area. In 1982 a group of people from Segovia promoted its recovery, and the Fundación Centro Nacional del Vidrio, officially recognised in 1989, now runs the museum and the centre's activities.

The Museo Tecnológico del Vidrio explains in an educational way how glass is made. It brings together manufacturing and processing material, European glass from the 16th to the 19th century, La Granja crystal of the 18th and 19th centuries, stained glass from the Maumejean workshop and contemporary glass. The furnace in the central courtyard gives demonstrations, and the programme includes educational workshops and glassblowing experiences.

Highlights

• Nave de Hornos with the technological exhibition on glassmaking
• Glassblowing demonstrations at the furnace in the central courtyard
• La Granja crystal of the 18th and 19th centuries
• Stained glass from the Maumejean Hermanos workshop
• Educational workshops and glassblowing experiences

Permanent exhibitions

• Exposición tecnológica en la Nave de Hornos – Educational route through the glassmaking process, with machinery, moulds and tools in the former furnace hall.
• Colecciones de vidrio histórico y contemporáneo – European glass from the 16th to the 19th century, La Granja crystal of the 18th and 19th centuries, and contemporary glass.
• Taller Maumejean Hermanos – Space devoted to the stained glass of the Maumejean workshop, on level -1 of the building.

Operated by

Fundación Centro Nacional del Vidrio

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Wednesdays from April to September from 15:00 to 17:00, and International Museum Day.

All tickets include the visit to the workshops. Free admission, among others, for people registered as residents of the Real Sitio de San Ildefonso, official tourist guides, ICOM members, members of the association Amigos del Patrimonio Histórico de Castilla y León, and two accompanying adults per school group up to compulsory secondary education (ESO).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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

The museum has lifts, ramps, platforms and adapted toilets. Only guide dogs are admitted as animals.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Educational workshops in painting and engraving on glass for children aged 6 to 12, with prior booking; children up to age 5 do not pay admission.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check

Shop and bookshop next to the ticket office, with replicas of La Granja glass pieces and museum publications. Free left-luggage near the toilets; backpacks and suitcases are not allowed in the rooms.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The Real Fábrica de Cristales rents out spaces; details are on the website.

Plan your visit