This 19th-century palace is located on Calle Arenal, a stone’s throw from Puerta del Sol. Built between 1846 and 1847 by architect Aníbal Álvarez Bouquel, it was commissioned by banker and stockbroker Manuel Gaviria y Douza, Marquis of Gaviria. One of the most sumptuous palaces of its time, it is an example of Palazzo style architecture.
Inaugurated by Queen Isabel II in 1851, it was well-known for the parties it hosted, which could be seen by passers-by through the balconies. Boasting a wonderful interior, particularly noteworthy are the frescoes in the exhibitions rooms, painted by Joaquín Espalter y Rull. The building was declared a Place of Cultural Interest in 1977.
Between 1991 and 2011, it housed one of the city’s most popular nightclubs. After a large renovation, it reopened in 2017 as an exhibition space for Arthemisia, an Italian company specialising in the production, organisation and staging of major exhibitions.
PERMANENT EXHIBITION: INFINITE DALI
Following extensive renovations, the palace reopened its doors on 25 March 2026 to host the permanent exhibition Infinite Dalí, dedicated to the sculptural artworks Salvador Dalí created from 1973 onwards and showcasing his lesser-known facet with a collection of 14 sculptures full of cultural references.
These pieces, from the Clot collection, were created during one of the Dalí’s most mature and experimental phases and showcase the evolution of his artistic language towards forms that combine technical precision with the dreamlike freedom inherent to his creative universe. Each sculpture constitutes an exercise in virtuosity that underscores the versatility of an artist who never ceased to explore new means of expression.
The sculptures are displayed in different rooms throughout the building, divided into various spaces that form a part of Dalí's artistic and creative personality. They reflect the author's dreamlike-surreal trajectory, with references to artistic movements, universal authors, literature, religion and science. Among the pieces exhibited are several giant sculptures authorised by the artist: Space Elephant, Naked woman climbing a staircase, Laughing horsehead, Christ of Saint John of the Cross, Housekeeper and Soul of Quixote.
The exhibition is made an even richer experience by the inclusion of an exceptional set of original drawings that allow us to explore the numerous aesthetic and thematic realms that accompanied Dalí throughout his life.
It also features the celebrated graphic series dedicated to Dante’s The Divine Comedy, created between 1959 and 1960.
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