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Bucket list experience:

Exterior facade looking at the front. a plain stone building with twin glass elevator towers on either side
Last updated: 10 January, 2023
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

Madrid’s world-class modern art museum, housed in a vast 18th-century former hospital with an extension by Jean Nouvel, has a collection encompassing art from the beginning of the 20th century onwards. The museum is mainly dedicated to Spanish art, and is home to outstanding collections of Spain’s two greatest 20th-century masters, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali.

Works by other Spanish artists such as Miro, Chillida and Tapies sit alongside international names such as Francis Bacon, Donald Judd and Gerhard Richter, and there are always a few worthwhile temporary exhibitions. No wonder it ranks 6th on the list of the world’s most visited art museums.

Don’t miss

The museum’s star attraction is undoubtedly Picasso’s mighty anti-war statement, Guernica. Also don’t miss Dali’s surreal masterpieces in room 10, which include the artist’s Cadaques landscapes.

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Price from: £8
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

You’ll find the museum next to Madrid’s Atocha metro station. Take a look at the handy PDF guide that you can download from the website before you go, to get familiar with the museum and its layout.

The collection is split into sub-collections with different themes. There are numerous local operators offering expert-led guided tours (see our recommendations below) – these have the advantage of taking you to all of the masterpieces, and giving insights and background to the paintings and their artists. You can also arrange a private, after-hours tour directly with the museum (for additional cost).

Inside, there are some great restaurants: the Arola, run by famous gastro-chef Sergi Arola, serves cutting-edge cuisine in a supremely hip, theatrical space; while the fabulous outdoor café-bar on top of the Jean Nouvel building offers fantastic views (open June to mid-September).

If you’re planning on seeing lots of art, the Paseo del Arte joint ticket gives a 20% discounted entry to the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums. The pass is available at any of the three museums, which can be visited on different days.

When to do it

The museum is open all year round, Wednesday to Monday. Closed on Tuesday.

Arrive first thing in the morning at 10am, or mid-afternoon, and you’ll be more likely to beat the crowds. It gets very crowded between 11am and 2pm, and also after 6pm (when admission is free on most days). These free admission hours will save you a buck, but don’t expect to have the place to yourself.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Reina Sofía Museum Guided Tour - 7 people maximum - Skip the line

Reina Sofía Museum Guided Tour - 7 people maximum - Skip the line

Madrid

We only work with groups of 7 people maximum. That allows us to provide a personalized service, tailor-made for every single situation or in...

€37 | Rating 4.91 / 5 [86 ratings]

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Skip the line: Prado Museum with Reina Sofia Museum Guided Tour

Skip the line: Prado Museum with Reina Sofia Museum Guided Tour

Madrid

Hit the Prado Museum as the first visitors when the doors open to the public on this 4-hour Madrid tour. This experience offers access to th...

€63 | Rating 4.05 / 5 [226 ratings]

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Skip-the-Line Madrid Guided Tour: The best of Prado, Reina Sofia & Thyssen

Skip-the-Line Madrid Guided Tour: The best of Prado, Reina Sofia & Thyssen

Madrid

Discover on a half day tour the Art Walk in Madrid! Enjoy preferential access to Madrid’s three great pictorial museums; Prado Museum, the T...

€87 | Rating 4.77 / 5 [9 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Only You Atocha

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.5 miles]

This polished, industrial-chic boutique hotel, close to the Prado and Retiro Park, is topped with a locally-loved rooftop bar.

Official star rating:

Room Mate Alba

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.8 miles]

This stylish, youthful-feeling and affordable hotel makes a great base for sightseeing and dining out in Madrid.

Official star rating:

Room Mate Alicia

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.8 miles]

A funky design boutique in the buzzing heart of Madrid, packed with restaurants, bars and nightlife. Excellent value for the central location.

Official star rating:

Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.9 miles]

Right next to the world-famous Prado Museum, Madrid’s grand old dame pairs old-school opulence with first-class service for a memorable stay.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Madrid

Madrid Region, Spain

Spain’s sunny capital offers up world-class art, super shopping, renowned tapas and late, late nights.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Prado Museum

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.6 miles]

Madrid’s most renowned museum, home to the single best collection of Spanish art and arguably the world’s finest collections of European art, dating from the 12th century to the early 20th century.

Best for ages: 18+ | £13

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Hammam at Al Andalus Madrid
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Hammam at Al Andalus Madrid

Madrid, Spain[1 miles]

If you need some time out from the hectic delights of this vibrant city, head to this excellent hammam, a modern-day version of the traditional Andalusian bathhouse experience, to soak in the hot spa baths. Traditional treatments include steamy massage, hot stones and kessa gloves.

Best for ages: 13+ | £60 | 2+ hours

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An image of a master tapestry maker, weaving a tapestry with a traditional tool.
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Royal Tapestry Factory

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[1.1 miles]

Take a tour of this ‘living museum’, founded in 1721, where expert weavers continue Spain’s illustrious tapestry and textile traditions.

Best for ages: 8+ | £4

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Busy market stalls with many people looking around and shopping.
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El Rastro Flea Market

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[1.1 miles]

Madrid’s lively Sunday morning flea market sells everything from ceramics to fabrics, handmade shoes and antiques. It has been held in the La Latina district for over 400 years.

Best for ages: 10+ | Free

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The Parterre garden in Buen Retiro Park. Shaped topiary shrubbery, trimmed lawns, trees, and white pathways fill this park.
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Retiro Park

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[1.2 miles]

Once the gardens of a royal palace, the city’s main park stretches across 350 acres of glorious green space in the heart of the capital.

Best for ages: 3+ | Free

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