The Rockefeller in pictures (1930s)    (if you don't see a menu on the left, use this link)


The National Institute of Physics and Chemistry was a beautiful building dedicated to scientific research and funded by the Rockefeller Junior Foundation. The aim of this institute, nowadays called Institute of Physical-Chemistry "Rocasolano" inherited the principles of the JAE (Junta de Ampliación de Estudios), an independent teaching and research institution, created in 1907 and aimed to help Spain’s to end its isolation and forge links with European science and culture. Its nickname, “The Rockefeller”, comes from the fact that it was built using funds ($420.000) from the "Rockefeller Junior Foundation".

The former "Rockefeller" Institute. Click on it to get a larger image
The former National Institute of Physics and Chemistry (Instituto Nacional de Física y Química, Madrid, 1932).
Its nickname, “The Rockefeller” was due to the fact that it was built using funds ($420.000) from the Rockefeller Junior Foundation.


The former "Rockefeller" Institute. Click on it to get a larger image
Another view of the former National Institute of Physics and Chemistry (Instituto Nacional de Física y Química, Madrid, 1932)


Aerial photography. Click on it to get a larger image
Aerial photography of the former National Institute of Physics and Chemistry (Instituto Nacional de Física y Química, Madrid, 1932).



The Rockefeller was inaugurated on February 6th 1932 by Fernando de los Ríos, the Minister of Public Instruction.
Niceto Alcalá-Zamora, President of the 2nd Spanish Republic, visited the new building on March 7th 1932


Rockefelle 90th anniversary
We also published a small note in 2022 to commemorate this event



X-ray laboratory in the Rockefeller. Click on it to get a larger image      Back Back
The X-ray laboratory during the 1930's. Julio Palacios is standing on the left, behind the X-ray tube


A physics lab in the Rockefeller. Click on it to get a larger image     Back Back
One of the physics labs


A chemistry lab in the Rockefeller. Click on it to get a larger image    Back Back
One of the chemistry labs


Big auditorium in the Rockefeller. Click on it to get a larger image     Back Back
The big auditorium


The workshop in the Rockefeller. Click on it to get a larger image    Back Back
Part of the workshop


The batteries room in the Rockefeller. Click on it to get a larger image    Back Back
The batteries room