MADRID


Art and soul Royal Tapestry Factory


Immersion in Madrid’s multi-faceted arts scene is an enthralling way to get under the skin of the Spanish capital, finds Isobel Turner


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n Ìhi ÌhiÀ` >n` wn>l `>Þ ov mÞ ÛiÃiÌ Ìo >`Ài`] wn` mÞÃilv ÃÌ>n`in} ÃÌill] inÌÀ>nVi`° ÕÌ what demands my attention isn’t an ornate palace oÀ ÃÌÀikin} ViÌÞÃV>«i ÛiiÜ ­ÜhiVh >Ài ÃÌÕnnin}] LÞ Ìhi Ü>Þ®] LÕÌ ÃomiÌhin} >lÌo}iÌhiÀ `ivviÀinÌ° ½m in > Ãm>ll ÜoÀkÃho«] Ü>ÌVhin} ÌhÀii Üomin Üi>Ûi > }i>nÌ Ì>«iÃÌÀÞ] Ãi>mliÃÃlÞ ÜoÀkin} in ÕniÃon >Ã they take different-coloured strands of wool and vii` Ìhim ÌhÀoÕ}h Ìhi V>nÛ>Ã] ÃloÜlÞ ÀiÛi>lin} > Li>ÕÌivÕl ÃVini ÜiÌh inVÀi`iLlÞ inÌÀiV>Ìi `iÌ>ilin}° I’m at the Royal Tapestry Factory, a 200-year-old institution that preserves the traditional practice of producing tapestries and carpets by hand – and watching the weavers in action is mesmerising. Before my trip, I knew Madrid was home to a renowned art culture, but this is a unique experience that gives me a deeper understanding of this aspect of the city as well as a precious insight into its heritage.


nÀiVhin} iÝVÕÀÃionà Our visit to the Royal Tapestry Factory is just one stop on an itinerary jam-packed with extra-special


arty experiences. Thanks to Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and luxury operator The Luminaire, which have partnered to launch a series of Exclusive Journeys in some of the world’s most iconic cities, we have a front row seat to observe Madrid’s artistic treasures. Each of the Exclusive Journeys combines a stay at


oni ov >n`>Àin "ÀiinÌ>l½Ã y>}Ãhi« «Ào«iÀÌiià ÜiÌh expert-led excursions crafted by The Luminaire, and our Custodians of Spain’s Priceless Art itinerary is no different. It takes in the city’s foremost galleries, including the Prado Museum and the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts, as well as more off-the- beaten-track spots such as Factum Arte, the studio that uses specialist technology to help contemporary artists create complex pieces of work. I am by no mi>nà >n >ÀÌ >wVion>`o] LÕÌ iÝ«loÀin} ÌhiÃi ë>Vià and witnessing experts perform their craft, whether that involves hand-weaving a carpet or conducting a 3D scan of a sculpture, is nothing short of fascinating. And, to me, that’s part of the beauty of these Exclusive Journeys. Yes, itineraries are focused on ëiViwV Ìhimià >n` niVhiÃ] LÕÌ Ìh>Ì `oiÃn½Ì mi>n


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ASPIRE JUNE 2025


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