House museum of Spanish ‘master of light’ Joaquín Sorolla reopens in Madrid

The Sorolla Museum in Madrid is set to reopen on October 15th, marking the completion of a two-year expansion and restoration project. The museum, located in the historic home and atelier of Spanish artist Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida, is renowned for his sunlit Mediterranean beach scenes. The first phase of the €14 million project is now complete, featuring a 1,698 sq. m extension with new exhibition spaces, an auditorium, and storage facilities.

The museum houses the world's largest collection of Sorolla's works, including 1,394 paintings and around 5,000 drawings. Since opening to the public in 1932, the museum's layout has presented functional challenges due to its original design for a family of four.

The restoration project began in 2022, with the museum closing its doors in October 2024. The expansion, designed by the architecture firm Nieto Sobejano, was completed in the first phase, while the restoration of the historic building is ongoing. The museum welcomed 344,799 visitors in 2023, a 40% increase from the previous year and surpassing the 300,000 visitor mark for the first time.

Prior to the expansion, the museum's layout was not designed to meet the increasing functional demands, and the restoration project prioritized improving accessibility, conservation, and visitor services. In the near future, visitors can look forward to exploring Sorolla's historical residence, as works to restore and refurbish the building continue for an estimated two years.