Occupying a
Neo-Classical
mansion from 1806, many critics see this museum as the world's most important private art collection. Assembled by Baron Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza and his son Hans Heinrich, it illustrates the history of Western art from the primitive Flemish and Italian painters, to 20th century Pop Art.
The Spanish state bought it in 1993, and today this museum is a strong complement to the
Prado and
Reina Sofia museums, adding 20th century international artists to the Spanish ones you may have already seen at Reina Sofia. With this museum, you can truly apreciate the entire evolution of the history of art without leaving Madrid.
The Thyssen's medieval works are especially outstanding, with a highlight being Van Eyck's "Diptych of the Annunciation".
Petrus Christus' "Our Lady of the Dry Tree" and Holbein's celebrated portrait of Henry VIII are two other examples to look out for, as are Rubens' "The Toilet of Venus" and Rembrandt's Self-Portrait, both dating from the 17th century.
Later works include a collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist examples, notably Degas' "Swaying Dancer," a couple of Van Gogh paintings, and Cézanne's "Portrait of a Farmer."
From the 20th century, see Picasso's "Man with a Clarinet" and "Harlequin with a Mirror," this last one thought by some to represent the artist himself. Other big names from that century in the surrounding galleries include Miró, Dali, Bacon, and Pollock, whose "Brown and Silver I" is especially worth paying close attention to. The same goes for Edward Hopper's "Hotel Room," seen as a study of urban isolation.
With such a wealth of art, it is not surprising that this magnificent museum attracts almost one million visitors every year. It further makes Madrid the envy of the art world, since the city outbid everyone else for the collection (including the Getty Foundation) ? and it was a great deal for the Spanish capital, since although valued at an estimated $1 billion, the collection was bought for $350 million.
After a visit, head to the café-restaurant for its magnificent views of the garden.
This area is a good location as a base for your stay in Madrid, since it is right alongside the top three museums and within walking distance
of all major sights and attractions.
There are plenty of hotels,
self-catering apartments, and
small, family-run hostels within 1Km of the Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Practical Information
Opening hours of the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum:
- Tuesday to Sunday: from 10:00 - 18:30
- 24th and 31th of December open until 15:00
- Closed 25th of December and 1st of January
- Monday from 12:00 - 16:00: free access to the Permanent Collection
- Please note that all visitors need to leave the premises 5 minutes before closing time.
Entrance fees:
- Free (priority access - no queues!) with the Madrid Tourist Card - more info here
- Free entry for children under 12.
- Reduced prices are available for senior citizens and students. Please check all conditions at the ticket office or at www.museothyssen.org
- General entrance fee: 12 euros, purchased at the ticket office from 10am to 6:30pm. Also available online.
www.museothyssen.org
Metro: Banco de España
Paseo del Prado, 8. 28014 Madrid
Tel: (+34) 917911370
Please see our tourist map for the location of the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. And
don't miss our other
Madrid museums here.
GoMadrid strives to maintain these details on the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza up to date, but takes no responsibility or liability for erroneous information. We recommend you check all relevant conditions with the museum.
