The Sorolla Exhibition was of paintings that Sorolla sold in the US when he exhibited there at the Hispanic Society. Most of these paintings are now in US museums and have never been exhibited in Spain, so this was a once in a lifetime experience. I especially liked the portraits of prominent people like the artist Louis Comfort Tiffany.
Mapfre (Spain's AAA) always sponsors interesting cultural exhibitions here (they change regularly but the quality is always consistent). Visit later in the day (go during the siesta- 2-4 PM) t oavoid crowds and lines. In November, 2014, the exhibition featured the works of Joaquin Sorolla loaned from US museums.
Could not begin to say how much I enjoyed the Sorolla Exhibition!! We now want to see the art at his private home while we are here. Everyone in our party expressed wanting to now have more interest in his work. Please go see for yourself!!
They have always very good exhibitions and for free. Last one was Sorolla in the USA and there were marvellous paintings.
Spent four hours in the Palace. Was my husband and I are senior citizens we got reduced entry ticket prices. Lots to see and plenty of seating if you wanted a rest before continuing your sightseeing
Small private museum (property of insurance company) free entrance, with given visit times, but waiting time was only 20' on a weekend. The present exposition shows also paintings from Sorolla's American period, society portraits of the begin 20th century
Mapfre normally holds some of the best exhibiciones in town, completely free. The building is a beautiful palace from the XIXth century, one of the last ones which used to fill the Paseo de la Castellana in former times.
Visited this Fundacion varous times over the last years and they almost always have interesting, and mostly free (!) expositions. Sometimes it can get very busy and then you have to get a ticket in advance with a time slot on it.
These days there is an incredible exposition of Sorolla in the Mapre Fundation. Highly recommended. Better to book your place on their web page in advance.
I have visited several expositions in this Foundation. This one is, by far, the best. A very large collection of some of the best paintings of one of the best (and my favorite) Spanish painters. Entrance is free of charge, butt I would recommend to buy the cheap and fantastic exposition catalogue.