Introduction
Tucked away within the architectural tapestry of Poble Espanyol, the Fundación Fran Daurel - Casa Museo offers a profound journey through the landscape of contemporary Spanish and Catalan art. Established to showcase the extensive private collection of businessman Francisco Daurel, this "museum within a museum" provides an intimate and sophisticated alternative to the city’s larger, more crowded institutions. It serves as a vital cultural repository, tracing the evolution of artistic expression from the early 20th century through the avant-garde movements that redefined the European art scene.
A Journey Through the Avant-Garde
The foundation’s significance lies in its remarkable breadth, housing over 300 works by more than 80 world-renowned artists. The collection is a masterclass in diversity, featuring everything from Surrealist paintings and Expressionist drawings to intricate ceramics and bold, conceptual pieces. Visitors can walk among masterpieces by legendary figures such as Picasso, Dalí, Miró, and Tàpies, as well as contemporary visionaries like Barceló and Plensa. This curated selection offers a rare, cohesive look at the shifts between Informalism, Hyperrealism, and the abstract styles that shaped modern Spanish identity.
Why You Should Visit
A visit to the Fundación Fran Daurel is an immersive aesthetic experience that extends far beyond the traditional gallery walls. One of the site's most enchanting features is the 5,000 m² Sculpture Garden, accessible via the Montblanc gate. This reclaimed outdoor space allows guests to wander among monumental works set against a beautifully landscaped backdrop, blending nature with high art. For any traveler seeking to discover a hidden gem that captures the soul of modern creativity in a tranquil setting, this foundation is an essential stop on any cultural itinerary.
Highlights
Essential Masterworks
- Pichet à glace by Pablo Picasso (1952): A whimsical ceramic pitcher that highlights the artist's ability to transform everyday objects into cubist-inspired sculptures.
- Projecte per a "Don Juan Tenorio" by Salvador Dalí (1950): This detailed drawing reveals the artist’s surrealist approach to classical Spanish theater and character design.
- Personnage by Joan Miró (1970): A vibrant painting that utilizes the artist's iconic vocabulary of primary colors and abstract shapes to depict a simplified human figure.
- Matalàs by Antoni Tàpies (1987): An influential work of Informalism that incorporates mixed media
Getting There
The Fundación Fran Daurel (also known as the Casa-Museo Fuente del Rey or Fundación AMYC) is located in the Aravaca district of Madrid.
Public Transport
Visitors can coordinate their trip to Aravaca by using Google Maps to find the best current transit routes. The museum is a PREDIF-certified accessible tourism site, ensuring it is reachable for visitors with diverse mobility needs.
Walking
The museum is located at C. de la Fuente del Rey, 11, Casa 2. Those already in the Aravaca neighborhood can reach the site on foot by navigating to this specific address.
Taxi or Car
For those traveling by taxi or private vehicle, the museum is located at:
- C. de la Fuente del Rey, 11, Casa 2, Madrid, 28023
Parking
Drivers can search for parking in the streets surrounding the museum's location in the Aravaca district.
Admission & Opening Hours
Opening Hours
The Fundación Fran Daurel - Casa Museo is open to the public from Monday through Friday, between 10:00 and 19:00. The museum is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Admission Prices
Tickets are available at the following rates:
- Adult: EUR 7
- Reduced: EUR 5
For more information regarding holiday schedules or to confirm current details, please visit the official website.
Nearby Attractions
- Parque de la Fuente del Rey (50 m, 1 min): A quiet, leafy neighborhood park located directly across from the museum entrance, ideal for a peaceful stroll.
- Parque Forestal de Valdemarín (1.2 km, 15 min): A spacious green area in the Aravaca district that offers paved walking paths and a tranquil atmosphere.
- Hipódromo de la Zarzuela (1.7 km, 21 min): An iconic sports venue and architectural landmark famous for its modernist design and seasonal horse racing events.
Know Before You Go
Accessibility
- The museum is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all visitors can navigate the galleries and experience the collection without barriers.
Photography
- Visitors are encouraged to check for onsite signage or consult with staff regarding current photography policies to ensure the preservation of the artwork.
Best Time to Visit
- To enjoy a more quiet and contemplative viewing of the collection, consider scheduling your visit during typical off-peak hours.
Facilities
- As specific onsite services are not specified, visitors are advised to inquire at the entrance for information regarding available amenities or nearby facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Fundación Fran Daurel - Casa Museo in Madrid? A: Also known as the Casa-Museo Fuente del Rey or Fundación AMYC, this museum is a private art foundation located in Madrid. It showcases a significant collection of Spanish and international art, primarily focusing on works from the mid-19th century through the early 21st century.
Q: Where exactly is the museum located? A: The museum is situated in the Aravaca district of Madrid. Unlike the foundation's other location in Barcelona's Poble Espanyol, this site offers an intimate "house-museum" experience within a residential setting.
Q: What can visitors expect to see in the collection? A: The collection features over 250 individual pieces. The inventory currently includes:
- 198 paintings
- 37 sculptures
- 27 drawings
These works represent a broad chronological span, covering over 150 years of artistic evolution.
Q: Which famous artists are represented at the Fundación Fran Daurel? A: The foundation houses works by some of the most influential names in modern art, including:
- Pablo Picasso
- Salvador Dalí
- Joan Miró
- Antoni Tàpies
- Miquel Barceló
Q: Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities? A: Yes. The Fundación Fran Daurel - Casa Museo has received the official PREDIF certificate for accessible tourism, ensuring that the museum facilities are equipped to accommodate visitors with reduced mobility or other accessibility needs.
Q: How does the Madrid location differ from the Fran Daurel Foundation in Barcelona? A: While both foundations share the same name and focus on contemporary and modern art, the Barcelona site is located within the Poble Espanyol complex and is famous for its 5,000 m² Sculpture Garden. The Madrid location, the Casa-Museo Fuente del Rey, offers a different atmosphere as a dedicated house-museum in the Aravaca neighborhood.
Q: What artistic styles are showcased in the galleries? A: The museum features a diverse array of styles and movements, ranging from traditional figurative works to abstract and conceptual pieces. Visitors can explore examples of Surrealism, Expressionism, Informalism, and Hyperrealism.
Q: Do I need to book my visit in advance? A: Because the museum is a private foundation located in a residential area (Aravaca), it is recommended to check the official Turismo Madrid website or contact the foundation directly to confirm current opening hours and whether a prior appointment is required for entry.
Q: Are there sculptures on display at the Madrid location? A: Yes, the Madrid collection includes 37 sculptures. While smaller in scale than the Barcelona Sculpture Garden, these pieces are integral to the Casa-Museo experience and represent various three-dimensional art movements from the 19th to the 21st centuries.