Palace of Cristal - El Retiro

The Palacio de Cristal ("Glass Palace") is a conservatory in Madrid's Buen Retiro Park. The Palacio de Cristal, shaped like a Greek cross, is nearly entirely composed of glass, mounted in an iron structure on a brick base adorned with ceramics. Its cupola raises the building to almost 22 meters in height. When it was built, large-scale glass and iron construction was already visible in Madrid at Delicias station (1880), the work of a French architect; however, the curved architecture of the Palacio de Cristal is more comparable to the techniques pioneered by British architects Joseph Paxton (who was responsible for London's Crystal Palace) and Decimus Burton (who was responsible for the Palm House at Kew Gardens). The Palacio de Cristal was one of the principal venues of the 1887 Philippines Exposition, along with the Pabellón Central.

Bilbao is where the cast-iron frame was made. The construction was built in such a way that it may be re-erected on another site (as happened to the equivalent building in London). The structure, on the other hand, has stayed on its original place, adjacent to a lake, and has been restored to its former look. It is no longer utilized as a greenhouse, but rather for art shows. You can see how this architectural style provides a wonderful bright room from the inside. There is an open space with no rooms or décor, making it ideal for displays.

Although the Crystal Palace is particularly lovely from the outside, the interior is equally worth seeing. Remember, especially if there is a temporary display, that admission is free. The hours of operation vary based on the season and the amount of sunshine. The Palace is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from April to September; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from October to March; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from November to February.

Location: Madrid, Spain