Casita-Museo de Ratón Pérez

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The character was created by Jesuit priest Luis Coloma in 1894 specifically to comfort the young King Alfonso XIII after he lost a tooth.

2. 2

   The museum is located in the building where Luis Coloma originally set the story, specifically inside a box hidden behind a bakery.

3. 3

   The character serves as the Spanish cultural equivalent to the Anglo-American Tooth Fairy.

4. 4

   The museum displays historical documents and early editions of the original fairy tale.

5. 5

   The entrance area includes a collection of historical mementos related to the royal family and the tale's inception.

Overview

The Casita-Museo de Ratón Pérez is dedicated to the legendary mouse who collects children's lost teeth in Spanish folklore. Located on the first floor of an historic building in central Madrid, the museum recreates the fictional home of Ratón Pérez and his family. The attraction specifically targets families with young children, featuring miniature displays and dioramas of the mouse's domestic life. It is situated on Calle del Arenal, near Puerta del Sol. The space includes a historical exhibit detailing the origin of the character, created by Luis Coloma for the future King Alfonso XIII. Visitors follow a set path through rooms decorated to mimic a mouse-sized scale. Exhibits incorporate elements of Spanish literary history and cultural traditions surrounding the 'Tooth Fairy' equivalent. The site is confined to a single floor within a larger residential and commercial building.

Insider tips

• Book your entry slot online well in advance, as capacity is strictly limited and it frequently sells out.

• Visit with younger children to maximize the appeal of the miniature, immersive displays.

• Keep a close watch on children, as the historical building's space is tight and can become crowded.