Travel bucket list idea:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Madrid Region, Spain
Spain’s sunny capital offers up world-class art, super shopping, renowned tapas and late, late nights.
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