The former Science Hill housed the most outstanding scientific institutions of the Spanish Enlightenment in Madrid. Today, this hill forms the axis connecting the Prado Museum, the Botanical Garden, and the Royal Astronomical Observatory. On this walk, we will explore the history of these institutions and their creation at the end of the 18th century, as part of the open-minded spirit of a city that was showcasing itself to Europe and the world, and that sought to make scientific knowledge an inseparable part of its Enlightenment project.

On this guided tour, we will visit three architectural landmarks of Enlightenment-era Madrid. The tour begins in Plaza de Murillo, where we will learn about the history of the Prado Museum's construction. This building was not initially conceived as an art center, but rather designed by Villanueva to house the Museum of Science and the Cabinet of Natural History. We will then pass through the Royal Botanical Garden, a project promoted by Charles III as part of his vision to modernize Madrid and foster public education in the natural sciences. Finally, we will reach the summit of this former Science Hill at the Royal Astronomical Observatory, which occupied its highest point for stargazing. We will conclude the walk surrounded by the objects housed in its astronomical collection, such as the replica of William Herschel's large telescope, one of the most advanced of its time.

They lead the tour:

Elisa Garrido Moreno, PhD in History and Theory of Art, researcher and professor at the UAM, specializing in the relationship between art and science.

Miguel Ángel Puig-Samper, biologist and historian of science at the Institute of History of the CSIC

Miguel Querejeta, physicist and researcher at the National Astronomical Observatory.

Meeting place: Between the Royal Botanical Garden and Plaza Murillo