The former palace of the Marquis of Matallana, built in 1776, houses an interesting collection of paintings, furniture and decorative arts from the 19thcentury, recreating the daily life and habits of the upper-middle class during the Romantic era. The museum opens a window onto societal customs during this historical period, including the main persons of interest of this cultural movement in Spain.
Works by Goya, Esquivel, Madrazo, Alenza and the Bécquer brothers, ceramics by Sargadelos and Sèvres, jewelry of ebonite, lava or real hair, a collection of porcelain dolls, 15 pianos, imperial furniture and pieces in the style of Queen Isabella, and the pistol Larra used to kill himself, are all displayed in such a way as to recreate the atmosphere of the Romantic period, a cultural movement that moved the hearts of young artists, intellectuals and politicians during the first half of the 19thcentury.
One of the most compelling areas in this unique museum is the Magnolia Garden, which is modelled on the 18thcentury French design with four lanes separated by various sized flower beds and a circular fountain in the centre. Each bed has a different tree, including the magnolia which gives name to the garden. Visitors can enjoy a coffee and homemade dessert at the Museum Garden Café.
