Madrid museums
Spain puts itself definitely on the map regarding to great masters in art. Of course everybody has at least heard of the Spanish artists Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró. Therefore don’t forget to visit one of the interesting art museums during your city break Madrid. Here you can find more information about the ‘Golden Triangle of Art’ in Madrid, which refers to three very important national art museums; the Museo Nacional del Prado, Museo Reina Sofia and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. But we will also highlight some other great museums you shouldn’t miss.
Museo Nacional del Prado
The immense art collection of the Museo Nacional del Prado attracts people from all over the World to visit Madrid. The museum houses in a magnificent building, which was build during the reign of Charles III by the architect Juan de Villanueva around 1785. The Museo Nacional del Prado first opened its doors to the public in 1819 with the aim to show the art collection of the Spanish Royal Family. The collection contains art from the 12th to the early 19th century, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, decorative objects, medals and coins. In the Museo Nacional del Prado you can find masterpieces from famous artists like Velázquez, Goya, Fra Angelico, Titian, Tintoretto and Botticelli.
Address: Calle Ruiz de Alarcón 23
Museo Naval
The Museo Naval is considered one of the most important maritime museums in the world. The museum concentrates on the long and rich maritime history of Spain from the 15th century till today. Of course special attention goes out to the Spanish voyages of exploration. The most important show piece of the Museo Naval is without a doubt the ‘Mappa Mundi’, the first map of the Americas. But you can also see interesting scale models of famous ships, portraits of sailors, weapons and flags.
Address: Paseo del Prado 5
Museo Cerralbo
The Palacio Cerralbo, which served as the residence of the Marquis of Cerralbo, is since1924 home to the Museo Cerralbo. The collection includes important archeological finds of the Iberian, Punic and Roman periods as well as porcelain, arms, armor, furniture and tapestries. But you can also have a look at the work of famous artists such as Alonso Cano, Valdés Leal, Tintoretto, Tiepolo and Goya. The beautiful rooms of the Palacio Cerralbo will give you a great impression of the luxurious lifestyle of the Marquis of Cerralbo.
Address: Calle Ventura Rodriguez 17
Museo Reina Sofia
If you would like to see some fine modern art during your city break Madrid, don’t hesitate to visit the Museo Reino Sofia located in the centre of Madrid in the former Hospital de San Carlos. The museum was officially inaugurated in 1992 after some years of temporary exhibitions in this building. Nowadays the museum contains a great collection with work of the most famous 20th century artists. The absolute masterpiece of the Museo Reina Sofia is Picasso’s Guernica. But you will also be impressed by the work of other Spanish artists such as Joan Miró, Eduardo Chillida and Juan Gris. Although the museum focuses especially on Spanish art, you can also find some great pieces of art of foreign artists, including Francis Bacon, Yves Klein and Robert Delaunay.
Address: Santa Isabel, 52
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
This museum contains one of the biggest private art collections in the world. Take the unique opportunity to visit this excellent museum during your city break Madrid. The collection was initiated by Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza. The collection consists of art from the 13th century till the late 20th century and counts almost 1000 works of art of famous masters such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Ruysdael, Dalí and Picasso.
Address: Palacio de Villahermosa, Paseo del Prado 8
Museo de Escultura al Aire Libre
What do you prefer during your city break Madrid; watching art or enjoying the great sunny weather? We have some good news; in Madrid you can do both at the same time at the Museo de Escultura al Aire Libre! In this pleasant sculpture garden you can walk around through the beautiful green park and enjoy the work of important Spanish sculptors like Julio González, Pablo Serrano Aguilar, Joan Miró and Eduardo Chillida. The museum was first opened in 1979.
Address: Paseo de la Castellana, 41