Palacio de Cristal

This impressive building that stands in front of a pond in the Retiro park is the work of Ricardo Velázquez Bosco. Built in 1881, the Crystal Palace was used for the 1887 Universal Exhibition as a pavilion displaying flora from the Philippines. Its iron and crystal structure offers a blend of several styles: whilst the façade is inspired by the classical world, the ground plan has a medieval feel. Nowadays, the Reina Sofía museum organises temporary exhibitions in this place.