Cristal Palace

Madrid is not always on my way. For bigger concerts or events I would usually go to Barcelona and later stay there for a day or two. Besides, it’s such a convenient travel base. However, when the exhibition “Balenciaga and Spanish painting” has appeared at the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, it was time to visit the capital.

But before admiring those outstanding designs of ”Picasso of Fashion” (as Cristóbal Balenciaga once called by some photographer), a quick coffee and some tapas near Retiro Park.

The choice of place is not accidental, because in its heart is located the Crystal Palace–an elegant, glass which used to be an orangery with lots of exotic plants. The place is sunny and spacious, surrounded by greenery and tall trees. It is worth stopping by for a while after a long walk through the park.