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This foundation, located in the heart of Chamberí, aims to ensure the patrimony of the Free Educational Institution and continue with the educational task initiated by the maestro, Giner de los Ríos. The set of buildings in which they are located stand out for their break with the construction lines of the surrounding properties, thanks to its metallic appearance. 

In 2003, a rehabilitation process and extension of the Foundation was  carried out, which reflects the avant-garde vision of Giner de los Ríos, in which the historic buildings were maintained and the rest of the buildings were replaced with  a series of  new spaces linked to the central garden, which is once more the main feature.  

The Free Educational Institution was founded in 1876 by a group of  university professors (including Francisco Giner de los Ríos, Gumersindo de Azcárate and Nicolás Salmerón), who were distanced from the University for defending academic freedom and refusing to adapt their teachings to official religious, political or moral dogmas. Joaquín Costa, Augusto González de Linares, Hermenegildo Giner, Federico Rubio and other figures committed to educational, cultural and social renewal participated in the project.

Following the coming into force of the 1978 Constitution, the Foundation recovered its patrimony and its full capacity for action.