MADRID'S MUNICIPAL MUSEUMS: A CULTURAL REFUGE FOR THE SUMMER
2025/07/08
During the warmer months of the year, Madrid's municipal museums invite residents and visitors alike to enjoy a diverse cultural offering, making these spaces ideal places to escape the heat, explore art and history, and participate in activities for all tastes. Although regular programming will resume in September, summer offers an excellent opportunity to rediscover these cultural centers from a more relaxed and up-close perspective.
TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS AT CONDE DUQUE
At the Conde Duque Center, the exhibition halls are currently hosting three notable exhibits. " Madrid among Books " celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Municipal Historical Library through the figure of Ramón Mesonero Romanos, its founder. The exhibition includes some of the institution's most valuable pieces.
You can also visit “ Madrid Art Deco, 1925. The Style of a New Era ,” a proposal that analyzes the influence of this artistic movement in fields such as architecture, fashion, film, and advertising, in a Madrid in the process of modernization.
Finally, the Museum of Contemporary Art presents “ Mutant Beings, Found Objects ,” an exhibition by Enrique Cavestany featuring hybrid sculptures made from recycled materials, wood, and natural elements.
FLAMENCO AND ART IN THE HOUR OF HEAT
As part of the " Take Refuge in Culture " summer campaign, promoted by Madrid City Council, short cultural activities are scheduled between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM in various venues throughout the city. The History Museum will be one of the venues for this initiative, hosting flamenco shows every Wednesday in July and August (except July 16). Admission is free until capacity is reached.
MUSEUMS ON SOCIAL NETWORKS
Municipal museums have strengthened their digital presence to bring their content to new audiences. The San Isidro Museum of the Origins of Madrid recently launched its Instagram profile (@museosanisidro), where it shares activities and pieces from its collection. The History Museum (@mhm_madrid), the Municipal Printing Office (@imprentamunicipal), and the Museum of Contemporary Art (@maccondeduque) are also active on this platform.
NOVEL AND PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE
Calls for artistic creation are still open. Submissions for the 5th edition of the "Planetario de Madrid 2025" Short Novel Prize , aimed at writers interested in astronomy and scientific outreach, can be made until September 1st.
For its part, the History Museum has announced the winners of its 5th Photography Contest , which focused on water in Madrid. The selected images can be viewed on the museum's website and will be exhibited in the Golden Patio in the fall.
CONFERENCES AND DIGITAL CONTENT
On July 3rd , the Madrid Planetarium hosted the conference " Artemis I. Humanity Returns to the Moon ," given by NASA engineer Eduardo García Llama. Although in-person tickets were sold out, the event was streamed live on the Planetarium's YouTube channel.
During the summer, you can also access the online lectures in the series “ The Classics in the Museum IV ,” organized by the San Isidro Museum, ideal for those who want to enjoy cultural content from home.
SUMMER HOURS AND FEATURED PIECES
As every year, municipal museums adjust their hours during the summer, so it's recommended to check their websites before planning a visit. Additionally, visitors to the History Museum will be able to see the piece of the month , dedicated this time to the painter José Gutiérrez Solana .
All the lectures from the series "Classics in the Museum IV," held at the San Isidro Museum. The Origins of Madrid have been uploaded to YouTube for binge-watching this summer.
The Municipal Museums have special summer hours. Check their websites if you plan to visit.
With this broad and diverse program, Madrid's municipal museums are consolidating their position as lively, accessible, and dynamic spaces even during the summer, offering their visitors a different way to experience the city through culture.