L MONOCLE
Editor’s letter
Tyler Brûlé has his sights set on a new habitat for the various animals in the Monocle zoo.The opener
Art for diplomats, curbing California’s cushty canteen culture, dining cars hit the buffers and a political tussle on Chinese cinema screens.Dream on
When Milton Keynes – the UK’s biggest New Town – was built, it aspired to perfection. Nic Monisse stays the night.Dab hand
New York’s whacky mystics are clinging on to real estate in a changing city. Ed Stocker tempts fate by visiting a palm reader.My cabinet
Inspired and industrious – Studio Tomás Saraceno has spun quite the body of work.Cosy corner
The experimental book designer who isn’t afraid to push boundaries – and crack some spines along the way.
Building up hope
The fighting has stopped in Damascus. But despite the look of normality, this is a city of black-market deals, shortages and deep pessimism.Band of brothers
Georgia’s inaugural Tsinandali Festival is not merely a celebration of classical music. It’s also an attempt to bring together musicians in one orchestra from countries with fractious relations.Politics Briefing
Ethiopia tackles graft, electoral reform in New Zealand and Hong Kong’s decisive next vote.Diplomacy Briefing
China charm offensive in El Salvador, Morocco plays peacemaker and a Davos alternative in Asia.Defence Briefing
The UK’s buoyant boat-buying and the Canadian armed forces find new fatigues.Cities Briefing
A mooted LA-to-Vegas rail route, Sydney’s green fringes get protection and the Big Apple’s bike rethink.Leading the charge
His rivals refused to accept his election victory – so he went back to the polls and won again. Now Istanbul’s new mayor is ready to change the city and get rid of a web of corruption.
Open book
Bookseller James Daunt has been tasked with changing the fortunes of Barnes & Noble. We take a glimpse inside the covers.Phoenix rising
As our report on the experiences of Waterstones and Barnes & Noble shows, rough times are part of business. But putting the right people in charge can be the difference between sinking and swimming. We profile the firms rising from the ashes with the help of new CEOs.Close to home
Forget dull hotel rooms and fusty apartments: a group of architects-turned-entrepreneurs are cornering the market in well-designed rentals in South Korea – and beyond.Business Briefing
A high-speed railway in the Balkans picks up speed, a new airport in Scandinavia open ski options and a campfire-catering start-up shares tips for success.
City limits
Far from the Marais, gallerists are settling into an edgier ’hood.Holding the stage
Though they are the product of a director’s vision, even the most iconic film scenes are mediated by a set designer. Kris Moran is one of the industy’s best and it’s her eagle eye that helps her find the perfect props.On the right page
An independent publisher that’s been bringing northern European hits to Italian readers for decades is embarking on a new chapter.The Ten
This autumn, the meaning and power of love get a fresh outing on stage, TV and in music. So get ready for plenty of laughs, tears and everything in between with the help of our indispensable guide to the top cultural picks that should be on your radar.
It’s a small world
Even in the digital age, texture and tactility still matter in architectural design. Little wonder then that smart firms put their faith in expert modellers to give clients a tiny taste of their big ideas.Grand scale
Majestic Mas de Tanit rose up on the French Riviera in the 1970s and has been attracting glamorous – and global – holidaymakers and residents ever since. We find out who’s who.Sitting pretty
From flexible shelving and versatile chairs to smart side tables and eye-catching lamps, we round up the benchmarks of good design that’s made to last.Slide away
This subtle and spacious residence frames the surrounding sun-soaked landscape in spectacular widescreen.Labour of love
Once an outlier for the wrong reasons, this home takes pride of place on a leafy street thanks to a couple’s tasteful renovation.Great indoors
Retreating to nature is a common theme but Daylesford Longhouse goes one better by bringing the outside inside.Work in the living room
Office or showroom? Danish design firm Muuto’s HQ is both– and its fluid set-up is helping staff to scratch their creative itch.Big interviews
Three of architecture’s leading lights share their manifestos and methods for creating spaces that elevate the soul.
Step up to the plate
Welcome to Monocle’s very first survey on hosting at home (don’t worry about wiping your feet on the way in). Over the coming pages you’ll learn about everything from diplomacy in the dining room to a few fail-safe recipes and tips from the food folk we admire.Conversation starters
Whether it’s picking the perfect mealtime music, learning how to drink a potent muscle relaxant with prime ministers or promoting parliament with regional produce, this rundown guarantees you’ll have something to talk about at even the most formal of dinner parties. And if all our help fails you can always resort to a stiff drink to encourage the chatter to flow.Pull up a chair
A Kiwi chef, a restaurant owner in Monaco and a design-shop duo in Ontario invite you into their abodes for some home-cooked goodness – with a liberal sprinkling of hospitality advice.Host with the most
Eating together is a primal pleasure but the dinner party has never been as loosely defined as it is today. We took a wholly unscientific sample from among our favourite culinary contacts to hear what’s changed and how to get the chemistry just right.Dinner is served
Whether you’re cooking for an intimate meal or playing host to a lively bunch of friends, the perfect recipe will ensure your table is set for a memorable evening. We’ve selected three favourites from the Monocle menu, plus some smart starter ideas to prep your guests’ palates.Best behaviour
We turn to Monocle’s all-knowing agony uncle – and his faithful feline sidekick, Mr Tiddly – for the lowdown on the do’s and definitely don’ts of hosting and attending a dinner party. Here our hero tackles a few reader’s questions.Food for thought
Scant service in Scandinavia, obsolete kitchenware and what recipe books reveal about times past: our writers give tasty views on the topics that should matter to good hosts everywhere.Join our club
All over the world canny chefs and cooks are rethinking the formula for eating out. From changing restaurant residencies for visiting chefs to opening up farm tables to homes or backyards, such supper clubs offer intimacy, discovery and plenty of new dishes to try. We head to Arles, Rome, New York and London to meet the food folk rethinking the restaurant and the diners hankering for new experiences.Roll out the barrels
Let’s start with some advice: don’t drink a light wine with heavy food, a burgundy goes great with roast lamb and make sure your dessert wine is sweeter than the pudding you serve (or your mouth will pucker). Above all, experiment and explore. Here are a few more tips.All you can eat
Expecting guests? Then you’ll want to impress them with something unique. You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen: get a taste for food retail instead. Here are some shops for starters.What’s on the menu?
Design firm Family Brothers has defined the look of Atlanta’s culinary scene. Now it’s tucking in elsewhere.Food & Drink Briefing
Two Swiss openings, a recipe from our in-house team and food finds from Japan to France. Tuck in.Kenzo Takada
The Japanese fashion designer, best known for his eponymous label Kenzo, puts his success down to happenstance – but he’s being modest. Instead he should claim innovation and a sense of fun as the elements that have made him a Paris icon in his own right.
Earning its stripes
You know about Nashville’s music scene – but what about its fashion know-how?Mass movement
Uniqlo’s president of global creative explains why the brand is eschewing conventional marketing to create a luxury aura around products that are available to all.Digital native
Andrea Panconesi took his Florentine boutique online when Google was still a new thing. Today LuisaViaRoma is a leading global player – and its founder is making plans to shake up the industry further.Fashion Briefing
A Stockholm sportswear emporium, a new Milan flagship for Tod's and pulling on Portuguese socks.Keep your cool
There’s a chill in the air but that doesn’t mean you should hibernate. Bright knits and luxurious layers will help you face whatever the weather throws at you.All worked up
That chill in the air is a perfect excuse to layer up offset rakish suiting with soft pastels and be brazen with those bangles.
In its element
This Danish island’s charm stretches as far as its sweeping sands, with cosy old-world inns, invigorating sea air and delectable food and drink making it a must-visit.The fab four
When it comes to creating hotels, the Experimental Group quartet are always in tune. Plus: new openings from cities to the seaside.Come together
Residents of a downtown São Paulo district have teamed up to revive the area through retail.On a higher plain
Furniture shop Plain Goods makes day-trippers feel at home in idyllic town New Preston.Interior elevation
Thinking big is all part of designing statement buildings but plenty of architects dabble in more domestically scaled pieces too. We’ve assembled the pick of those objects that bring a little structural savoir-faire to even the humblest home.
Fundación Casa de Alba Monocle
This autumn sees one of the world’s largest and most impressive private art collections open its doors to the public for the first time. Housed in Madrid’s Liria Palace, the Fundación Casa de Alba’s celebrated collection of fine artworks and important historic artefacts will be open to visitors from 19 September. The palace will also be available for the hosting of corporate events, with the capacity for up to five exclusive gatherings to take place in this spectacular setting every year.
The collection
From Velázquez to Rubens, the Liria Palace’s collection features works from many of history’s most celebrated artists. Members of the Alba family’s lineage have also been rendered in paint by the likes of Titian – whose portrait of the Grand Duke of Alba is part of the collection – and Goya, whose “Duchess of Alba in White” also adorns the walls of the palace. Sculptures, tapestries, antique furniture and a range of decorative arts complete the foundation’s collection, as well as historic documents that include a selection of handwritten manuscripts by Christopher Columbus.
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Timeline
1785
The Liria Palace is completed after 18 years of construction. Its design is the work of renowned architect Ventura Rodríguez, who is responsible for some of Spain’s finest neoclassical buildings. The palace becomes the residence of the third Duke of Berwick and Liria, Jacobo Fitz-James Stuart y Colón.
1936
In the midst of the Spanish Civil War, the palace is gutted by fires, which leave just the outer walls standing. Fortunately most of the palace’s collection of art and artefacts was rescued and stowed away safely in locations around Madrid, including the Prado Museum and British embassy.
1973
The Fundación Casa de Alba is created with the mission of preserving and sharing the palace’s collection of fine art and historic documents. (Today the foundation is chaired by the 19th Duke of Alba, Carlos Fitz-James Stuart y Martinez de Irujo.)
2019
The Liria Palace, still the family residence of the Duke of Alba, opens its doors to the public for the first time. Visitors are able to view the foundation’s private collection, featuring works from the past 500 years.
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Stately paintings overlook gilded furniture
Grand staircases make memorable impressions upon arrival at events
Artworks of great historical importance hang on the walls of the foundation
Inside the Liria Palace
Corporate events
Whether it’s a gala dinner or shareholder meeting, the Liria Palace, with its extensive gardens, is an idyllic spot for hosting private corporate events. For more information, get in touch: info@inliria.com
Opening times for guests
Opening date:
19 September 2019
Opening hours:
Monday
09.45 – 14.00
Tuesday – Sunday
09.45 – 14.00
15.45 – 19.30
(Maximum group size: 20)
