Madrid Museum Guide
Enjoy Spanish History and Art along the Paseo del Prado
In Madrid, museums are grand affairs, surrounded by gardens and filled with historical treasures. These three museums offer the best view into Spanish history.
Madrid, as Spain's cultural and political hub, is one of the best places to learn about Spanish history, art and culture. But within the city, the three main museums offer the most education you can get.
Museo del Prado
The Prado Museum is the most classic of Madrid's museums; in fact, the main boulevard which hosts these three museums is called the "Paseo del Prado," after the museum. Exhibition halls lined with masterpieces make this museum a must-see for any art lovers.
There is a large collection of paintings and sculpture from Spain and many other European countries too, with a special focus on Flemish painters. The Prado particularly prides itself on its masterpieces: The Annunciation by Fra Angelico, Christ washing the disciples' feet by Tintoretto, The Descent from the Cross by Rogier van der Weyden, The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch, Three Graces by Rubens and the well-known Spanish masterpieces: Las Meninas by Velazquez, Jacob's Dream by RIbera and The Third of May: The executions on Principe Pio by Goya.
Since the Prado is such an expansive museum, the staff has made a point to guide visitors through certain routes that make sure to visit all these masterpieces, which really are as wonderful as they're cracked up to be. The Prado is free to the public in the evenings and closed on Mondays. They offer audioguides and literature in many languages.
Museo Reina Sofia
This museum houses art and stands as art itself: recent renovations to the exterior of this glass-and-steel beauty keep it up to date with the contemporary modern art housed inside. The building, once a hospital, was significantly transformed and named for the current queen, Reina Sofia, when it opened in 1990.
One of the goals of this breathtaking museum is to present Spanish contemporary art in an international context. To this end, Spanish art from the early 19th century to the present is on display, and much of it is set in a social context to further visitors' understanding of the pieces.
The most impressive and well-known work at the Reina Sofia is Picasso's famous "Guernica," a painting which embodies the pain and suffering of innocent people during the Spanish Civil War. This very large painting is on display along an entire wall in the museum.
Spanish artists Joan Miro, Salvador Dali, Juan Gris and Julio Gonzalez are also prominently featured throughout the museum.
Admission is free on the weekends to this impressive and contemporary museum.
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
This third museum located near the Paseo del Prado offers a more expansive view of classical European art. Featuring Italian and Dutch gothic paintings as part of a permanent collection, they also branch out toward an extensive collection of 17th and 18th century works. But those whose preferences lean toward more modern tastes will find something to interest them as well, as impressionism, pop art and modern art are also featured in large collections.
Children aged 12 and younger get free admission, but otherwise the Thyssen-Bornemisza doesn't offer free access at any time during the week.
