El Palacio de Cristal

Located in the heart of the Parque del Retiro, El Palacio de Cristal (The Palace of Crystal/Glass) was built in 1887 by Ricardo Velazquez Bosco as an exhibition hall for various things. First it was used as an exhibition space for the Flora of the Phillipines, and then to show the changing times in Spanish culture.  Since 1990 it has been used as an exhibition space for various artists. 

From March 13th until the 31st of August the Palacio de Cristal has been transformed into the lovely Splendide Hotel by the French artist Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster. The Splendide Hotel is a hotel in Lugano, Switzerland and also a wealthy resort area in the south of France. Bosco's simple recreation of the Splendide is reminiscent of that in the south of France in Evian-les-Bains. All throughout the open space are rocking chairs where guests are asked to be quiet and respectful as others come to read, take a siesta, or simply take in their surroundings.  The sun beats down through the glass structure and the birds chirp all around. Check out my photos below and transport yourself to southern France! (or Madrid for that matter :) )