Madrid's 'Bienvenidos a Palacio' Opens 24 Palaces for Free Guided Tours

The Community of Madrid's 'Bienvenidos a palacio' program, launched in spring 2014, returns for its 2026 edition, offering free guided tours of 24 palaces and historic buildings across the region. Registration opens on September 2, with visits running from September 11 to December 1. The initiative aims to showcase architectural heritage often closed to the public, including buildings that have been repurposed as government offices, embassies, or cultural institutions. Notable venues include the Palacio de Liria, home to the Casa de Alba's art collection; the Palacio de Buenavista, headquarters of the Army General Staff, featuring works by Goya, Madrazo, and Mariano Benlliure; and the Palacio de Goyeneche, housing the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando. Other highlights include the Palacio de Uceda, once considered Madrid's finest building after the Alcázar, and the Palacio del infante don Luis de Borbón in Boadilla del Monte, a masterpiece by Ventura Rodríguez. Since its inception, the program has attracted nearly 100,000 participants, with demand consistently exceeding available spots. Tours are led by cultural heritage specialists and are open to adults, running daily from Monday to Sunday. Interested visitors can register online, selecting their preferred palace and date, with a virtual queue system in place for fully booked sessions.