The Palace of the Library and Museums

The Palace of the National Library and Museums was one of the most ambitious architectural and cultural projects of its day. Three architects—Francisco Jareño, Álvaro Rosell and Antonio Ruiz de Salces—contributed designs to the palace we see today, faced with the phenomenal challenge of housing three major institutions: the National Library, the National Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Modern Art.

The political and economic instability that dominated the second half of the 19th century severely compromised the project, leading to lengthy interruptions and modifications to suit changing circumstances.