Fundación MAPFRE Madrid – Photography, Art & Cultural Exhibitions
What is Fundación MAPFRE?
Fundación MAPFRE is a cultural foundation supported by the MAPFRE insurance group. In Madrid, its exhibition halls are dedicated to modern art, contemporary photography and educational projects. With rotating exhibitions, visitors can see works from masters like Miró, Picasso and Renoir, alongside cutting-edge photography by international names.
Exhibition highlights
- Photography: Fundación MAPFRE has established itself as one of Europe’s top photography centers.
- Modern masters: exhibitions often include 20th-century icons like Calder, Léger or Derain.
- Contemporary art: thematic shows connecting social issues, visual culture and innovation.
- Education: guided visits, catalogs and workshops bring art closer to diverse audiences.
Why visit?
Unlike Madrid’s large state museums, Fundación MAPFRE provides intimacy and focus. You can see a world-class exhibition in an hour or two, without the overwhelming scale of the Prado. This makes it ideal for travelers who want depth without exhaustion, or locals seeking cultural renewal throughout the year.
Who is it for?
Art enthusiasts, photography lovers, students of design and visual culture, and anyone curious about international exhibitions beyond Spain’s classics. Families also find it accessible due to its size and interactive programming.
- Check the calendar in advance—shows change every few months.
- Plan 60–90 minutes; it pairs well with a walk through Chamberí or Castellana.
- Buy tickets online for priority entry.
Location & access
Fundación MAPFRE has two main exhibition halls in Madrid: Sala Recoletos and Sala Bárbara de Braganza. Both are centrally located and easily accessible by metro, making them convenient additions to any cultural itinerary.
Tickets & booking
- Entry fees: usually around €5–10, with discounts and free days available.
- Online booking: highly recommended for popular exhibitions.
- Audio guides: often included or available at low cost.
- Opening hours: generally 10am–8pm, closed Mondays.
Fundación MAPFRE compared to other museums
While Prado and Reina Sofía dominate Madrid’s cultural scene, Fundación MAPFRE offers a specialized, rotating program that keeps locals and visitors coming back. It’s the place to discover new photography, revisit modern masters, or explore exhibitions that connect art to today’s world.