The Madrid Wax Museum (Museo de Cera) stands on the Paseo de Recoletos, on the edge of Plaza de Colón, between the Salamanca district and the historic centre. Opened on 14 February 1972, it has welcomed more than 16 million visitors. This private museum brings together more than 350 figures: kings and queens of Spain, writers and painters, sports stars, actors and singers, and people in the news such as Pope Leo XIV. You wander around at your own pace, get close to the figures and can have your photo taken next to them, which makes it a popular family outing. Allow about an hour for the visit.
Highlights
The historical scenes
Part of the route brings Spanish history and literature to life in reconstructed settings: here, Miguel de Cervantes bent over his manuscript by the light of an oil lamp. Read the panels: they place each figure in its period, a good way to brush up on Spanish history with children.
The literary café
Around the marble tables of a Madrid café, writers and intellectuals talk with newspapers in hand, in the manner of the tertulias that livened up the city's cafés in the early 20th century. The scene is worth a close look: costumes, cups and red velvet banquettes are finely detailed.
Royal family and celebrities
The Spanish royal family is displayed in front of the Spanish coat of arms; the photo dates from 2008, before Juan Carlos I abdicated. The figures change with the news: footballers such as Cristiano Ronaldo, musicians such as Bad Bunny, chefs such as Dabiz Muñoz. QR codes around the museum unlock augmented reality content.
The Wax Horror Experience
This haunted walk, included in the ticket, combines sound and visual effects, lighting changes and live actors who leap out of the dark. The museum does not recommend it for children under 12 or sensitive people, and it is not wheelchair accessible. The rest of the route is adapted for people with reduced mobility.
Infos pratiques
Tips
An adult ticket costs €19 on weekdays and €20 on Saturdays and public holidays; children aged 4 to 12 and over-65s €14 (€15 on Saturdays and public holidays); on Wednesdays, "visitor day", €16 for adults and €12 for children and seniors; family ticket for two adults and two children €58 (prices checked in October 2026). Buying online, on the official website, saves up to 20% and skips the ticket desk queue; tickets go on sale up to three months ahead and are non-refundable. Keep your ticket throughout the visit: you will be asked for it along the route, and the attraction sessions are announced over the loudspeakers. There is no left-luggage, food and drink are not allowed, and photos are permitted without flash. As a private museum, it has no free admission days.
How to get there
Paseo de Recoletos, 41, Madrid (Plaza de Colón): Metro Colón (line 4), Cercanías Recoletos Bus: lines 5, 14, 27, 45, 53 and 150 Parking: Centro Colón, Paseo de Recoletos and Calle de Génova
Opening hours
Nearby
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