The exhibition devoted to Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, 18th Duchess of Alba, will be presented at Liria Palace from September 2026 to February 2027 (dates yet to be confirmed), highlighting her extraordinary contribution to the conservation of the immense historic and artistic legacy of the House of Alba.
Following the success of the exhibition held at Las Dueñas Palace in Seville, Cayetana. Great of Spain is coming to Madrid this autumn with a new route, adapted to the rooms at the 18th Duchess of Alba’s home in Madrid. In addition to celebrating the centenary of her birth, a new section of the exhibition commemorates the 70th anniversary of the monumental restoration of Liria Palace.
The exhibition, curated by Eugenia Martínez de Irujo and Cristina Carrillo de Albornoz, in conjunction with the team at the Casa de Alba Foundation, is the result of more than three years of research by its curators. It has been organised to mark the centenary of the birth of the 18th Duchess of Alba and brings together a careful selection of more than 200 pieces, including works of art, haute-couture dresses, photographs, personal objects and correspondence.
Visitors will also be able to go on a journey through the life of the Duchess who has most influenced the recent history of the House of Alba. Different themed blocks take visitors through her biography, her contributions in the field of culture through patronages of major artists, support for the fine arts and opera, as well as her role as a collector and painter. The exhibition also raises awareness of less known aspects of her life, such as her early work in defending animals, her charity work and her firm social commitment.
The new section devoted to the 70th anniversary of the monumental restoration of Liria Palace highlights the immense efforts to conserve the legacy of the House of Alba by the Duchess of Alba and her husband, Duke Luis, through unpublished photographic material and documents.
In 1936, the palace was bombed and looted during the Spanish Civil War, whereby only the four outer walls were left standing. In 1945, Duke Jacobo decided to rebuild it and the works were completed in 1956. However, the death of the 17th Duke of Alba prevented him from seeing the finished building. The 18th Duke and Duchess of Alba were responsible for finishing and redecorating the palace, extending and reorganising the art collection, furniture and other decorative elements.
Image Credits:
- Image of 'Cayetana. Great of Spain' at Las Dueñas Palace, Seville
- Images of the restoration of Liria Palace
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