Introduction
Nestled within the grand halls of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, the Calcografía Nacional stands as one of the world’s most significant repositories of copperplate engraving. Founded in 1789 by King Charles IV to promote the art of printmaking in Spain, this institution has evolved from a royal printing house into a premier museum and research center. It serves as the guardian of Spain’s graphic soul, preserving thousands of original plates that have shaped the visual history of the nation for centuries.
The primary draw for most visitors is the unparalleled "Gabinete Francisco de Goya." This dedicated space showcases the genius of Spain’s most celebrated artist through his original etched plates. Seeing the raw metal from which masterpieces like Los Caprichos and The Disasters of War were pulled offers a profound, tactile connection to Goya’s creative process that no paper print can replicate. It is a rare opportunity to stand inches away from the very surfaces Goya manipulated with acid and needle to voice his social critiques.
Beyond the historic masters, a visit to the Calcografía Nacional offers a fascinating look at the evolution of print technology and contemporary graphic arts. From its extensive digital archives to its support of the "Certamen de Jóvenes Creadores" (Young Creators Competition), the institution bridges the gap between 18th-century craftsmanship and modern innovation. For travelers seeking an intimate, intellectual alternative to the crowded galleries of the nearby "Golden Triangle" of art, this collection provides a serene and deeply rewarding journey into the art of the multiple.
Highlights
The Masterpieces of Goya
- El sueño de la razón produce monstruos by Francisco de Goya (1799): This iconic etching from the Los Caprichos series is a world-renowned masterpiece of satire, depicting the haunting consequences of abandoning reason.
- The original copper plates of Los Desastres de la Guerra by Francisco de Goya (1810–1820): These preserved metal matrices offer a rare, tactile connection to Goya’s visceral and honest documentation of the Napoleonic conflict in Spain.
- La Tauromaquia by Francisco de Goya (1816): A series of dynamic etchings that revolutionized the depiction of bullfighting by focusing on the raw energy and tragedy of the arena.
- Los Disparates (The Follies) by Francisco de Goya (1815–1823): These enigmatic prints represent the artist's most surreal and dark visions, pushing the technical boundaries of etching and aquatint.
European and Spanish Printmaking
- Plate from the Carceri d'invenzione (Imaginary Prisons) by Giambattista Piranesi (1745–1761): The institution holds original plates from this Italian master’s influential series of impossible, labyrinthine architectural spaces.
- Portrait of Charles III by Manuel Salvador Carmona (1783): This exquisite engraving demonstrates the technical perfection and royal elegance achieved by the leading Spanish printmaker of the Enlightenment.
- Vista de la Puerta de Alcalá by Juan de la Cruz Cano y Olmedilla (1785): A stunning example of 18th-century urban documentation, this print captures one of Madrid's most famous monuments in meticulous detail.
- The Gabinete Goya by Real Academia de Bellas Artes (Permanent Exhibit): This specialized climate-controlled room displays the institution's most significant treasure: the original copper plates used to print Goya's four major graphic series.
Getting There
The Calcografía Nacional is situated at C. Alcalá, 13, a central location that is easily accessible through various modes of transportation.
Public Transport
Madrid's efficient and safe transport system makes reaching the museum straightforward. Visitors can utilize the following options:
- Metro and Train: The city's extensive rail and underground networks provide rapid access to the central district.
- Bus: The museum is served by the municipal bus system, which connects the Calle de Alcalá area to the rest of the city.
Walking
The museum’s central position makes it a convenient destination for those exploring the city on foot. You can use Google Maps to view local maps, locate nearby businesses, and find the best walking routes to the entrance.
Taxi and Car
Taxis are readily available throughout Madrid and can provide direct service to the museum. For those driving, MapQuest offers comprehensive driving directions to 13 Calle de Alcalá. This tool includes live traffic updates and information on current road conditions to assist with your arrival.
Parking
If you are traveling by private car, you can use Google Maps or MapQuest to identify parking options in the surrounding area. These platforms also offer reviews of local businesses and facilities near the museum to help you locate suitable parking facilities.
Admission & Opening Hours
Opening Hours
The Calcografía Nacional maintains specific visiting hours throughout the week, with extended time available on Saturdays. Please note that the institution is closed to the public on Mondays.
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00-15:00
- Wednesday: 10:00-15:00
- Thursday: 10:00-15:00
- Friday: 10:00-15:00
- Saturday: 10:00-19:00
- Sunday: 10:00-15:00
Admission
For the most current information regarding ticket prices and entry requirements, visitors are encouraged to check the official website prior to their arrival.
Nearby Attractions
- Puerta del Sol (230m, 3 min walk): This bustling central square is the symbolic heart of Madrid and home to the famous "Bear and the Strawberry Tree" statue.
- Círculo de Bellas Artes (350m, 5 min walk): A multidisciplinary cultural center known for its iconic architecture and a rooftop terrace providing sweeping views of the city skyline.
- Plaza Mayor (650m, 8 min walk): A grand, porticoed square dating back to the 17th century that serves as a historic gathering place for festivals and markets.
- Plaza de Cibeles (700m, 9 min walk): An emblematic intersection featuring a famous 18th-century neoclassical fountain and the majestic Cybele Palace.
Know Before You Go
Accessibility
- The Calcografía Nacional is not wheelchair accessible.
Photography
- Specific guidelines and policies regarding photography are not specified.
Best Time to Visit
- Information regarding the best time to visit is not specified.
Facilities
- Specific on-site services and facilities are not specified.
- There is no specified typical duration for a visit to the collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Calcografía Nacional? A: Founded in 1789, the Calcografía Nacional is one of the world's most important institutions dedicated to the art of printmaking and engraving. It serves as a museum, archive, and workshop, housing a massive collection of original copperplates and prints that span centuries of Spanish art history.
Q: Where is the museum located and how do I get there? A: The institution is located at Calle de Alcalá, 13, inside the headquarters of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando. It is easily accessible via Madrid's public transport system:
- Metro: Sevilla (Line 2) or Sol (Lines 1, 2, and 3).
- Bus: Multiple lines serve the Calle de Alcalá and Puerta del Sol area.
- Train: Cercanías station at Sol.
Q: What is the most famous part of the collection? A: The highlight of any visit is the Gabinete Francisco de Goya. This dedicated space houses the original copperplates etched by Francisco de Goya, including his most famous series: Los Caprichos, Desastres de la Guerra (The Disasters of War), La Tauromaquia, and Los Disparates.
Q: Can I view the collection online before my visit? A: Yes, the institution maintains an extensive Catálogo digital de estampas, which features digitized works from the Calcografía Nacional as well as the Archive and Library of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando.
Q: Is the Calcografía Nacional separate from the San Fernando Academy of Fine Arts? A: While it has its own distinct identity and history, the Calcografía Nacional has been part of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando since the early 19th century. Visitors typically access it as part of a broader visit to the Academy's museum and collections.
Q: What is the history behind the institution? A: Originally known as the Real Calcografía, it was initially tied to the Royal Printing Office (Imprenta Real) on Calle Carretas. Its administration shifted over time, eventually becoming a permanent fixture of the Royal Academy between 1819 and 1820 to better preserve Spain's graphic heritage.
Q: Does the institution only focus on historical works? A: No, the Calcografía Nacional is also a hub for contemporary art. It actively promotes modern printmaking through initiatives like the Certamen de Jóvenes Creadores (Young Creators Contest), which showcases the work of emerging graphic artists.
Q: What exactly will I see in the galleries? A: The galleries display a mix of:
- Original metal plates (matrices) used for printing.
- Rare historical prints and engravings.
- Rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary graphic works.
- Specialized collections from the Academy's Archive and Library.
Q: Is the site accessible for international visitors? A: Yes, its central location near Puerta del Sol makes it a staple for art lovers visiting Madrid. Because it focuses on visual graphic arts, the collection is highly accessible to English speakers, though exploring the digital catalog beforehand can help provide deeper context for the technical aspects of printmaking.