When I first heard about the Galería de las Colecciones Reales Madrid, I wasn't sure what to expect from this newcomer to the city's museum scene. Having opened just in 2023, it's barely finding its footing among Madrid's established cultural giants, yet its location alone makes it worth the visit.

The museum sits in a striking spot between the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral, built into what were once the Campo del Moro gardens. The architects, Emilio Tuñón and Luis Moreno Mansilla, designed something that feels both modern and respectful of its historic surroundings. From the outside, it's an understated building that doesn't compete with its grand neighbors.

What really caught my attention was learning this project had been decades in the making. The idea actually dates back to the 1930s, got interrupted by the Civil War, then sat dormant for years before construction finally began in 2006. Seventeen years later, here we are.

The collection spans 155,000 artworks from the Spanish royal collection – the same source that feeds the Prado and other major museums. You'll find paintings, sculptures, tapestries, luxury objects, and carriages all under one roof. Originally planned just for tapestries and carriages, the scope expanded significantly over time.

Walking through, I found the space feels refreshingly uncrowded compared to other Madrid museums. Maybe it's because it's still new, or perhaps because tourists haven't fully discovered it yet. The 40,000 square meters give the collection room to breathe, which I appreciated after battling crowds elsewhere in the city.

The metro stop at Ópera makes it easily accessible, and the opening hours are reasonable – until 8 PM most days, 7 PM on Sundays. Having Víctor Cageao as director, someone who clearly knows the royal collections inside out, shows in how thoughtfully everything is presented.

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What strikes me most is how this museum fills a gap I didn't realize existed. While the Prado showcases royal masterpieces, this gallery shows you how Spanish royalty actually lived, worked, and surrounded themselves with beauty across centuries.