Ratón Pérez – the Spanish equivalent of the Tooth Fairy – was created by Jesuit writer Luis Coloma back in the 19th century. When he was eight years old, King Alfonso XIII lost a tooth and Coloma, who was a royal advisor, was commissioned to write a story for the little boy. The author dreamed up a tale about a mouse who lived with his family in a biscuit box in the pantry of a sweet shop, not far from the Royal Palace. Every night the mouse, who was called Ratón Pérez, would visit the bedrooms of all the children, including the young king, who’d lost a tooth and leave them a little gift.
The Ratón Pérez House Museum is found in the same place where the adorable mouse was said to have lived with his family. Spread across two small rooms, the museum invites children and their families to see with their own eyes what Ratón Pérez's house looked like, to read historical documents related to the famous character and to see “certified” teeth belonging to the likes of Beatrix Potter, Beethoven, Isaac Newton and Rosalía de Castro. The museum is recommended for children aged 5+.
Ratón Pérez, ambassador for children's tourism in Madrid
Families that come to visit the city can avail of a very special guide: Ratón Pérez’s Madrid. It offers interesting information about some of the main tourist attractions in the capital from the perspective of this charming little mouse.
We can even feel his presence at the Plaza Mayor Tourist Information Centre. Here, children can get their "Expert on Madrid" diploma once they've completed the quiz that's included in the guide. But that's not all you'll find at the centre! When you stop by to look for information be sure to say hello to Pichi, our friendly robot that just loves to welcome families to Madrid and to suggest some great things to do while in the city.
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