Madrid’s Museo del Traje

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At first, the Museo del Traje de Madrid might sound like some kind of costume museum, but in reality, its more like an incredible time capsule completely dedicated to the evolution of Spanish fashion. The museum houses over 160,000 pieces of fashion and design spanning from the early medieval ages all the way to the modern era. Each collection has a theme. From the evolution of bridal gowns to men’s hats.

If you’re looking to delve deeper into Madrid’s arts and culture scene, check out our article on the city’s most notable museums and exhibitions. For more of our recommendations regarding local museums and ticket purchases, check out our articles about the famous Paseo del Arte and Madrid’s Top Muesums.

About the Museo del Traje

The Museo del Traje is a relatively young institution. It was founded in 2004 and is located in a rather modern looking building designed by Jaime López de Asiaín and Ángel Díaz Domínguez. The “idea” of this museum dates all the way back to 1925, to the Historic Costume Exhibition held in the same year. The Exhibition went so well that the idea of turning it into a permanent exhibition became a very real possibility. However, this feat was easier said than done. For nearly 80 years, the museum changed names, locations, owners, sponsors and concepts – never really finding a home or a sense of stability. But in 2002, the final plans were made and the Museo del Traje finally found its home.

When visiting the museum, you’ll find a fully fleshed out permanent collection as well as incredible temporary exhibitions throughout the year. On top, keep an eye on their incredible workshops!

Visiting Information

The museum is housed in an architecturally noteworthy building in the Ciudad Universitaria district of Madrid, and welcomes the public in a friendly, accessible environment. In the paragraphs below, you’ll find all the practical information you need: opening hours, ticket prices, how to get there, and more.

To make your trip to the Museo del Traje go as smoothly, we’ve compiled some important visiting information. For additional information, you can also check the website here.

Visiting Hours

The museum hosts an outstanding permanent, as well as various temporary exhibitions throughout the year. You can visit the collections within the outlined time periods.

Permanent & Temporary Exhibitions

Tuesday to Saturday: 9:30 – 19:00
Sundays and Public Holidays: 10:00 – 15:00

Price

Free admission (with valid ID): Visitors under 18 and over 65, students between 18-25 years. People with disabilities, youth card holders (more on website)

General admission: 3,00€

Reduced admission: 1,50€ for groups of 8 or more, olunteers, ticket holders of Museos en Red program, RENFE caldholdersReminder: Opening hours and admissions fees are subject to change, so please always check the official webpage before going.

Museo del Traje Address

Avenida de Juan de Herrera, 2. Metro Moncloa (Lines 3 & 6) or Ciudad Universitaria (Line 6)

What to see at the Museo del Traje

The Museo del Traje isn’t just about clothing; it’s about how Spain has dressed, expressed, and reinvented itself for centuries. Garments that reflect the social changes in today’s world. Whether you’re passionate about history or simply looking for Middle Ages outfit inspiration, this Museum has designs for everyone: the stylish evolution of Spain. Here are a few highlights you shouldn’t miss.

Traje Goyesco Infantil

This folk costume was made for the daughter of Queen Isabella II, Isabel de Borbon, also known as La Chata in 1862. It was actually given by the municipality of Sevilla during the royal visit. This costume was embroidered with Prussian blue cord and silk and even gold frogging. She wore her Sevillian dress in lithographs of royal portraits.

Traje de Vistas de La Alberca

This traditional dress was originally a wedding garment, worn on special days in La Alberca (Salamanca): the diagosto festival and the Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption.The dress in the museum is not the original one but is similar to the current dress but with a type of ceremonial garment. Its jewelry is the most impressive part of this costume, made of silver, coral and different patens and medals with religious symbolism. All together a weight of approximately 10 kilos.

Delphos Dress by Mariano Fortuny

The Delphos Dress belonged to the Chaplin family. The dress is pleated celadon green satin with a bateau neckline, gorgeously accompanied by a beld with a stenciled gold Greek key pattern. With the patent from 1909 until Mariano Fortuny´s dealth the dress was made in various versions with only slight differences.

Bar Suit by Christian Dior 1947

If you thought designer is from this century, you are totally wrong. Designer started years before. This is the house of Dior with this Bar Suit as the Iconic piece of the Traje Collection. With a silk jacket and a skirt that is pleated with “plissé du soleil”, it is definitely a showstopper and an inspiration for todays fashion.

Cocktail Dress by Cristobal Balenciaga

This dress was called “Eisa” by the Balenciaga fashion house in Madrid and Barcelona. Existing of five metal hoops to make the puffy dress and a red cotton ribbon waistbandThis designer brand is internationally renowned and maybe even had its peak in the 1950s.

Menina Dress by Agatha Ruiz de la Prada

Prada, Prada, Prada. This playful “Menina” dress by Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada (1991) is totally different. A bold statement colored dress of hearts, flowers, spirals, stars and evne rainbows. The avant-garde style is written all over the dress and is unmistakable vision of freedom and fun design.