National Library of Spain
Salamanca, Madrid
- Mon to Sat
- 10:00 to 20:00
- Sun
- 10:00 to 14:00
Exhibitions Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 20:00, Sundays and holidays 10:00 to 14:00. The library itself is open Monday to Friday 09:00 to 20:00.
Source: esmadrid.com, checked 7 Nov 2026.
Spain's national library, founded by Philip V in 1711 as the Real Biblioteca. Its building on Paseo de Recoletos opened in 1896 and has free exhibitions.
Insider tip
Exhibitions are free. The permanent exhibition El Infierno y las Maravillas is on the lower level.
What's on near National Library of Spain
Upcoming events within a ten-minute walk of National Library of Spain, from the weekly Madrid events calendar.
Pedro Moreno. Pro domo sua. Theatre and film art
Painting exhibition at Biblioteca Nacional, free, listed on esmadrid.com, the Madrid tourism board.
Camões: vida, obra y pervivencia en la cultura hispánica
Exhibition at Biblioteca Nacional, free, listed on esmadrid.com, the Madrid tourism board.
Cinco siglos de Consejo de Estado
Exhibition at Biblioteca Nacional, free, listed on esmadrid.com, the Madrid tourism board.
Movistar Madrid Half Marathon 2027
Time 09:15
Race, listed on esmadrid.com, the Madrid tourism board.
Fueron tejidos. Teresa Lanceta
Exhibition at Museo Arqueológico Nacional, listed on esmadrid.com, the Madrid tourism board.
Smaller local events nearby
Law day: artificial intelligence and the rule of law Activities
Tue 10 Nov · Institut français de Madrid, Justicia
Public talk, workshop or visit at Institut français de Madrid.
from 19:00 · Map · Source: Institut français d'Espagne (Madrid) · Jornada del derecho 2026: «Inteligencia artificial y Estado
Film: Les chansons d'amour Performance
Fri 13 Nov · Institut français de Madrid, Justicia
Screening or show at Institut français de Madrid.
from 20:00 · Map · Source: Institut français d'Espagne (Madrid) · Proyección «Les chansons d’amour» de Christophe Honoré
Nearby
Around Salamanca
Serrano, Recoletos and the Golden Mile
Salamanca is the grid of wide streets east of Paseo de Recoletos, around Calle de Serrano. It has several free or cheap museums, a market hall and some long-standing food shops.
Salamanca has 18 places on the Roam Madrid map: 7 museums, 3 cafes, 2 landmarks, 2 parks and gardens, 2 shops, 1 market and 1 restaurant. Read the Salamanca guide.
Good to know
- What is the address of National Library of Spain?
- Paseo de Recoletos 20-22, Madrid.
- What are the opening hours of National Library of Spain?
- Mon to Sat 10:00 to 20:00; Sun 10:00 to 14:00. Exhibitions Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 20:00, Sundays and holidays 10:00 to 14:00. The library itself is open Monday to Friday 09:00 to 20:00.
- How much does National Library of Spain cost?
- Nothing. National Library of Spain is free to visit.
- How long do you need at National Library of Spain?
- Plan for 1 hour.
- When is the best time to visit National Library of Spain?
- Morning.
Stay near National Library of Spain
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