The Crystal Palace in Madrid’s Retiro Park is a symbol of cultural evolution. Among its many transformations, one of the most striking moments in its history occurred in 2006, when South Korean artist Kimsooja unveiled her installation “To Breathe—A Mirror Woman”. Also known as the “Rainbow Room”, this masterpiece transformed the palace into an otherworldly space where sunlight fractured into countless spectral colors, immersing visitors in a kaleidoscope of hues. This mesmerizing artwork captivated imaginations worldwide at the time and continues to inspire awe through photos still widely shared on social media.
Today, the Crystal Palace is closed for major renovations until 2027, preserving both the memories of that magical moment and the promise of future transformations. To truly grasp the significance of the Rainbow Room and the current restoration, we must first journey back to the extraordinary history of this building, which began in 1887, when Spain was still dreaming of exotic plants from distant colonies, and architects were just beginning to explore the possibilities of iron and glass.
The History of the Crystal Palace
The Crystal Palace, or Palacio de Cristal, has been an iconic part of Madrid’s Buen Retiro Park since its completion in 1887. Designed by renowned architect Ricardo Velázquez Bosco, it was originally built to showcase the flora and fauna of the Philippines during the Exposición General de las Islas Filipinas, a colonial exhibition highlighting Spain’s overseas territories. Inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, Velázquez Bosco created a structure where technological innovation met artistic elegance.
It’s hard to believe today, but the entire palace was assembled and completed in just five months—a remarkable architectural feat, even by modern standards. In fact, the project was designed with mobility in mind, allowing the palace to be dismantled and relocated if needed. However, the palace has remained in its original location ever since.
Although initially intended as a colonial greenhouse, the Crystal Palace has evolved to meet the cultural and artistic needs of the city. Over the years, it has hosted exotic plant exhibitions, served as the site of a historic 1936 parliamentary vote for the Spanish Republic’s president, and eventually became a space for contemporary art exhibitions under the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.
The Rainbow Room Installation
In the spring of 2006, Madrid’s Crystal Palace underwent a transformation so unforgettable that it’s still celebrated today. Korean artist Kimsooja reimagined the palace’s glass-and-iron architecture, immersing visitors in a multidimensional experience of light, sound, and space.
The heart of Kimsooja’s installation, titled “To Breathe—A Mirror Woman”, was the interplay between natural light and reflective surfaces. She coated the palace’s 14,000 glass panels with a transparent diffraction film—the same material that gives CDs their iridescent glow. As sunlight passed through this prism, it fractured into countless spectral colors, filling the air with an ethereal light.
Beneath it all, mirrored floors amplified the kaleidoscopic effect, creating an illusion of infinite space. The impact was so profound that many described feeling as though they were floating inside a giant soap bubble or walking through a dream.
Perhaps the most subtle yet deeply moving element of the installation was its soundscape. Throughout the space, visitors could hear the gentle rhythm of Kimsooja’s recorded breathing, captured during her performance “The Weaving Factory.” This simple, human sound—inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale—added an intimate layer to the cosmic spectacle, reminding viewers that even the most transcendent experiences are grounded in our shared humanity.
The installation’s impact extended far beyond its three-month run. Photos of the Rainbow Room spread across the globe, well before the word “viral” became commonplace. Critics praised “To Breathe—A Mirror Woman” for its transformative power and ability to engage audiences on multiple sensory levels.
Some visitors have remarked that even when no installation is present, they find themselves looking at the Crystal Palace differently – searching for rainbow refractions in its glass panes or noticing how light plays across its iron framework. This is perhaps Kimsooja’s most lasting gift: teaching us to see the extraordinary potential in seemingly ordinary spaces.
The Current Closure of the Crystal Palace
The Crystal Palace is currently closed to the public as it undergoes major renovations. This ambitious project, set to run until 2027, aims to preserve the structural and aesthetic integrity of this 19th-century landmark.
The decision to close the palace was made in 2023 after several structural issues were identified. A thorough inspection revealed critical problems with the iron framework and glass enclosure, both showing significant wear and tear after more than a century of exposure to the elements. Safety concerns, including falling debris, also emerged, necessitating urgent action to protect visitors and preserve the building. The restoration project, with a budget exceeding €7.4 million, is both extensive and essential.
While the closure is a temporary loss for locals and tourists alike, it’s a necessary step to ensure the palace’s future. In the meantime, Retiro Park remains open, offering visitors the chance to admire the iconic silhouette of the Crystal Palace from the outside.
