Every city has its museums. What makes Madrid any different? For one, art can be said to be a matter of national pride in Spain. Not many countries have had the same honour of birthing so many great artists through the ages. From the Paseo del Arte to smaller museums housing private collections, it is no wonder that those passionate in art find themselves flocking to this city with the very essence of it flowing through its veins. For every art lover out there, this is a list of the very best museums in Madrid with the best that European art has to offer. (Tip: If possible, buy your tickets online before you go! Often, not only are they cheaper, but you’ll also be able to avoid the snaking queues.)
Museo Nacional Del Prado
A place that simply should not be missed, the Prado is Spain’s national art museum and is every bit as splendid as one would imagine. It houses some of the greatest pieces of the Baroque and Renaissance movements, ranging from the 12th to the early 19th century (think works from Spanish masters like Velázquez’s enigmatic Las Meninas, as well as Goya’s fascinatingly macabre Black paintings), not to mention an extensive collection of Flemish and Italian artwork. With well over 7000 paintings featuring the best of European art, a day would barely be enough to cover the best pieces that the Prado has to offer. If you’re looking to save a bit of cash, pop by in the evening between 6pm to 8pm (5pm to 7pm on Sundays and holidays) to get free access.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10.00am to 8.00pm, Sundays and holidays from 10.00am to 7.00pm
Price: €15
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
With a focus on 20th century modern and contemporary art, the Reina Sofía pays homage to some of the most brilliant Spanish artists of the time, featuring works of Picasso, Dalí and Miró. While much smaller as compared to the Prado, it is no less impressive. Both art aficionados and regular visitors alike will recognise and marvel at its most spectacular and famous pieces, of which include Picasso’s Guernica and Dalí’s El gran masturbador. The temporary collections are well-worth checking out as well. Like the Prado, the Reina Sofía offers free access in the evenings on Monday to Saturday (except Tuesdays) from 7pm to 9pm, and on Sundays and public holidays from 1:30pm to 7pm.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10.00am to 9.00pm, Sundays and public holidays from 10.00am to 1:30pm
Price: €10
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
The third museum of Paseo del Arte’s "Golden Triangle of Art", the Thyssen is equally as outstanding as its counterparts. Featuring Europe’s largest collection of privately-owned art, the range of works here are far wider than those in the Prado or the Reina Sofía, featuring works of different periods and schools not found in the other two. The museum also hosts a notable collection of 19th-century American art. Boasting over 1000 works, with names of prominent European masters such as van Dyck, Monet, Sisley and Renoir popping up, be prepared to spend an entire afternoon marvelling at all these pieces the Thyssen has to offer. There is free access on Mondays between 12pm to 4pm.
Opening hours: Mondays from 12.00pm to 4.00pm, Tuesdays to Sundays from 10.00am to 7.00pm
Price: €13
Museo Lázaro Galdiano
In Barrio de Salamanca, you will find what was once José Lázaro’s home, an exquisite and beautiful mansion now known as the Lázaro Galdiano Museum. José Lázaro was an avid purveyor of the arts, and upon his death, bequeathed his extensive collection, ranging from paintings, bronze figures, to even medals and weapons, to the Spanish government. Look out for paintings such as Hieronymus Bosch’s St. John the Baptist in Meditation and Goya’s Witches’ Sabbath, which are some of the pieces which stand out among the many other remarkable pieces that he has acquired through his years.
Opening hours: Closed Mondays, Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10.00am to 4.30pm, Sundays and public holidays from 10.00am to 3.00pm
Price: €7
Museo Sorolla
Unlike the other museums, the Sorolla Museum is solely dedicated to the works of the Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida. It is also this very same building that was occupied by him and his family in the years of 1911 till his death in 1923, and was turned into a museum in his memory. Still retaining its original decor and interior, the Sorolla museum not only houses over 1200 of his paintings and drawings, but also has preserved most of the artifacts that Sorolla had acquired throughout his lifetime including ceramics, sculptures and jewellery. Don’t forget to enjoy a scroll through the tranquil garden which was designed by the man himself, and was a common subject in his later paintings.
Opening times: Closed on Mondays. Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9.30am to 8.00pm, Sundays and public holidays from 10.00am to 3.00pm
Price: €3
Caixa Forum
The Caixa Forum is both a museum and cultural centre, hosting a range of exhibitions that are sure to satisfy every sort of art lover out there, ranging from more traditional and historic art, to more modern and contemporary art, with features of multimedia art and the like. It often plays host to other cultural activities such as music and poetry festivals, current affairs debates, social events, educational and family workshops. Originally an old power station, the Caixa Forum is worth a visit for the stunning architecture alone, which is truly a sight to marvel at.
Opening times: 10.00am to 8.00pm
Price: €6 (for exhibitions)
