Casa de Velazquez

The Casa de Velázquez is one of the most curious and little-known corners of Madrid, primarily because it's closed to the public for most of the year. It does, however, occasionally open its doors.

The Casa de Velázquez is a joint Spanish-French run arts society that gives grants, housing, and studio space to the most deserving visual artists from around the globe. Those lucky enougj to be chosen to be artists in residence live in cottages on the spacious estate grounds, free to work at tjeir leisure. The building is a palatial edifice of trickling gardens, shady courtyards, matble sculptures, and classic columns, all overlooking a sloping garden of trees and fountains. In short, it's beautiful.