Escurial Museums Reopen in Madrid After Decade-Long Closure

On October 2, 2026, the Painting and Architecture Museums at the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, located near Madrid, welcomed visitors again after a decade-long closure. This revival was made possible by a €3 million renovation supported by the EU's NextGenerationEU initiative. The redesigned museums now offer a chronological exploration of royal collections, featuring 21 artworks on permanent display for the first time. Admission remains free until December 31, 2026. After being closed in 2016 for significant museological improvements, the museums underwent extensive planning and restoration, with construction commencing in 2025. Ana de la Cueva, the president of Patrimonio Nacional, highlighted the significance of architecture and painting to Philip II, showcasing pieces from his era to that of Elizabeth II, including Rogier van der Weyden's Calvary and two works by Federico Zuccaro.