Palacio de Cristal

The Palacio de Cristal ("Crystal Palace") is a glass and metal structure located in Madrid's Buen Retiro Park. It was built in 1887 to exhibit flora and fauna from the Philippines. The architect was Ricardo Velázquez Bosco.

The Palacio de Cristal, in the shape of a Greek cross, is made almost entirely of glass set in an iron framework on a brick base, which is decorated with ceramics. Its cupola makes the structure over 22 metres high. The architecture was influenced by the glass and iron structural techniques of Joseph Paxton (who was responsible for London's Crystal Palace and also for greenhouses such as the Palm House at Kew Gardens).

The structure was designed in a way that would allow it to be re-erected on another site (as happened to the equivalent building in London). However, the building has remained on the original site, next to a lake, and has been restored to its original appearance. It is no longer used as a greenhouse, and is currently used for art exhibits.

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Michael Scharf
13 February 2015
Very nice monument in the middle of Retrio. Definitely a must-see for every tourist. Go here on weekends!
Jordan Taylor
21 August 2016
Absolutely gorgeous historic glass greenhouse in Retiro Park. Also free! Get here early before the crowds arrive.
Yusri Echman
22 November 2013
The Palacio de Cristal ("Crystal Palace") is a glass and metal structure located in Madrid's Buen Retiro Park. It was built in 1887 to exhibit flora and fauna from the Philippines.
Serg Baida
13 January 2020
Amazing palace, the astonishing play of light and shadow, equally beautiful from inside and outside. The palace placed near the lake with swans, ducks and a lot of other birds.
Uri Erel
7 September 2019
worth walking from the train station and climbing to see it and the lake aside
RAKAN
1 October 2022
Beautiful crystal palace inside the garden ????
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Paseo República de Cuba, 4, 28009 Madrid, Spain Get directions
Mon-Sun 10:00 AM–10:00 PM

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