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Madrid shows works by Goya, Giordano and Flemish masters for free
Madrid adds a free exhibition for those who want to see great names in art without visiting the usual galleries. Until 30 September, Museo de Historia de Madrid hosts a display of works by Goya, Luca Giordano and Flemish masters, in a journey combining painting, collecting and social memory.
The exhibition is titled Goya and the Italian and Flemish Schools. A Century of Philanthropy by Carlota de Santamarca and Antonio González, and focuses on a collection linked to a lesser-known history of Madrid: that of those who devoted their assets to educational and welfare projects.
The tour recalls the role of Carlota de Santamarca and Antonio González, whose legacy helped care for and educate orphaned children in the city. The exhibition makes it possible to view these works not only as artistic pieces, but also as part of a network of philanthropy that left its mark on life in Madrid.
Among the most striking pieces are six small-format oils by Goya. Alongside them are works by Luca Giordano, a key figure of the Neapolitan school, and paintings by Flemish masters such as Frans Snyders, Paul de Vos and Frans Francken the Younger.
The selection is completed by names from Madrid Baroque and Spanish painting of the 19th and 20th centuries. The rooms contain works by Carducho, Juan de Arellano, José Antolínez, Alejandro de Loarte, Ricardo de Madrazo, Jenaro Pérez Villamil and José Moreno Carbonero, among others.
The result is a brief but dense visit, ideal for those looking for a summer cultural plan in the centre. The exhibition can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 19:00, with free admission and no prior booking required.
The Museo de Historia de Madrid, on Calle Fuencarral, also helps place the exhibition in context. Its Baroque building and permanent collection make it possible to understand how the city has changed since the 16th century, making the visit more than just a stop to see paintings.
The exhibition works as a small door to another Madrid: that of private collections, philanthropic legacies and institutions that brought together art and social assistance. In a city full of great museums, this kind of exhibition reminds us that valuable stories remain to be discovered in quieter, more approachable spaces.