Interested in viewing private homes that show how the citizens of Madrid lived in past centuries. I saw where Casa de Lope de Vega, the home of a Spanish poet, was open for public viewing. Any other recommendations, especially those in central Madrid and close to a subway station, are appreciated.

Palacio de Linares

and

palacio Marques Villafranca http://guias-viajar.com/madrid/capit...sitas-guiadas/

Museo Lazaro Galdiano http://www.flg.es/your-visit-to-the-...azaro-galdiano

museo Sorolla

thanks lincasanova

I have been in all except Marques Villafranca.. will definitely put that on my list my next trip.

But.. the house of all houses.. would b to visit the Palacio de Liria de la Duquesa de Alba.. by request to join group only. this would be the most amazing of any visit. See if you can muddle through the website.. you will not be disappointed. I have not been able to arrange this yet for myself..

http://fundacioncasadealba.com/visit...-de-madrid.php

Add Museo Cerralbo!Incredible luxury living.
I enjoyed the house of Sorolla the best-love his paintings.A little out of the way but worth the effort.

Thank you so much, chapla.. I sincerely had never heard of that museum. Will also put it on my list.

As others have already mentioned...

Museo Sorolla

Lazaro Galdiano (short walk from Sorolla)

Museo Cerralbo - wonderful example of how a wealthy family lived at the turn of the last century.

The Royal Palace

Sorolla's paintings are beautiful... it was a discovery

L.Galdiano is a lovely home/museum in a nice part of Madrid
. Several good restaurants across the street.

Both recommended.

I also strongly recommend the Museo Cellalbo (click on "Welcome" on top of the page)
http://museocerralbo.mcu.es/

In addition:
Fundación Lázaro Galdiano
http://www.flg.es/your-visit-to-the-...azaro-galdiano

Museo Sorolla
http://museosorolla.mcu.es/visita_vi...a_virtual.html

Museo del Romanticismo
http://en.museoromanticismo.mcu.es/

Palacio de Fernán Núñez
http://www.ffe.es/palacio/principal_en.htm

Palacio de Linares
http://www.casamerica.es/el-palacio

La Corrala is a mid-19th century building restored by the City Council of Madrid and handed over to the Autonomous University of Madrid to serve as a multipurpose facility. ‘Corralas’ were first built in the 16th century (when King Philip II made Madrid the capital of Spain) with the aim of accommodating the working classes. The typical structure of these buildings consists of a common courtyard surrounded by several floors of open galleries that give access to a series of small adjoining apartments. In the 19th century, when thousands of people came from the countryside to work in the city, the construction of corralas became widespread. They were usually overcrowded.
La Corrala hosts the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions. The Museum exhibits a collection of Spanish folk art, which is arranged thematically:
- The human life cycle and popular religion.
– Annual festive cycle, musical instruments and adults’ games.
– Domestic tasks.
– Techniques for obtaining and producing food.
– Crafts and rural transport.
http://en.roostergnn.com/2012/06/27/...ons/8304/8304/

Thank you all for the great info and recommendations

Looks like we could do both the Museo Sorolla and Lazaro Galdiano on the same afternoon. Will it matter which one we view first? Anything else in the local area that might be interesting?

Galdiano is so full of drawers of interesting things I think it may take longer to do in depth. Don't forget to open a few here and there under the cases. I think there are more restaurants along Claudio Coello street behind Lazaro G. for lunch o than I recall near Sorolla, but you are never far from food in Madrid. However CC street has plenty of shopping the further down you walk. if that is important.

Check out anything going on at Teatro de canals as it is on metro line and easily accessible and usually has good music or dance events

I did the Sorolla and the Galdiano on the same day. I got to the Sorolla about 11 and spent maybe an hour and a half there - it was quite busy and there was a school visit with all the little children having their lunch in the garden, so not really conducive to lingering. Then I walked across towards the Galdiano, stopping for a quick lunch en route. Because there was hardly anyone else in the Galdiano I passed through it quite quickly, though I suppose it was still the best part of two hours. I was delighted to find the el Greco portrait of St Francis in a room at the back, and even more delighted to have him all to myself, after experiencing all the crowds at the Prado the day before.