Escher in Madrid

February 20.2017.

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An exciting exhibition has come to Madrid! From now until June 25, 2017, you can see 200 of MC Escher’s works including drawings, woodcuts, tessellations, and more. Maurits Cornelius Escher was a very famous Dutch graphic artist and surrealist who inspired many artists, mathematicians, and admirers around the world.

Madrid’s Palacio de Gaviria is the exhibition’s host: a 19th century palace opened by Queen Isabel II in 1851. It was once famous for the lavish parties thrown there, and now creates a beautiful backdrop which contrasts Escher’s unique style.

Fun facts about Escher (1898-1972):

*He was left-handed.

*He spent an extensive amount of time in Italy, and was constantly inspired by its landscapes, architecture, light patterns, and sculptures.

*He pursued graphic arts instead of architecture (to his father’s reluctance) at the Haarlem School for Architecture and Decorative Arts after a teacher encouraged him.

*He was inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.

*Often listened to Bach while he worked.

*He created 448 lithographs, wood engravings, and woodcuts and over 2,000 drawings

*You can see Escher’s work in TV shows such as Family Guy, movies such as Labyrinth and Night at the Museum 3.

“Are you really sure that a floor can’t also be a ceiling?”

“My work is a game, a very serious game.”

“We adore chaos because we love to produce order.”

Learn more about Escher

Visit his website

Watch a 1999 documentary

A short YouTube video with footage of Escher working

Go to the exhibition!

The Palacio de Gaviria is located at Calle Arenal, 9, Madrid. A big sign for Escher is on the building, you can’t miss it!

I arrived there by taking the metro to Sol and walking down Calle Arenal (which is to the right of the café Mallorquina in Puerta del Sol). You can also take the metro to Ópera and walk from there.

PRICES: General prices are 12 euros which includes an audio guide.

HOURS: Sun-Thurs 10-8, Fri & Sat 10-9

More at eschermadrid.com

MC Escher is one of my all-time favorite artists and I’m thrilled that I got the chance to see his work in person. It’s more than worth the entry fee and I highly recommend this special exhibition to anyone!