If you’re a lover of art, Madrid is definitely a city worth visiting. The Spanish capital is home to many world-class art museums, including the famous Museo del Prado and the Reina Sofia Museum. However, the museum that stands out from the rest is none other than the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
History of Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum was founded in 1992 and is located in the heart of Madrid. It houses one of Europe’s largest collections of art, with over 1,600 paintings that span from the early Renaissance to modern-day contemporary art.
The collection was started by Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza, a German-Hungarian industrialist who began collecting art in the early 20th century. The collection was later expanded by his son Hans Heinrich and his wife Carmen Cervera.
The Collection
The museum’s collection includes works by some of the most famous artists in history, including Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso and Dali. With such a diverse range of artwork on display at Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum visitors can expect to see everything from medieval religious paintings to avant-garde pop art.
One of the most striking pieces in the collection is “Portrait of Giovanna Tornabuoni” by Domenico Ghirlandaio. This painting depicts a young woman from Florence during the Renaissance era and is admired for its stunning detail and vibrant colors.
Architecture
The building itself is also an architectural masterpiece that blends both modernity and tradition. The museum is housed in a neo-classical palace that dates back to 1776 but has been renovated with contemporary touches such as glass elevators and modern lighting.
Visiting the Museum
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm. Admission is €12 for adults and €8 for students and seniors. Children under the age of 12 can enter for free.
It’s recommended that you allocate at least two hours to explore the museum, but if you’re an art enthusiast, you may want to spend even more time admiring the collection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a top-class art museum in Madrid, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is definitely worth adding to your itinerary. With its impressive collection of artwork and stunning architecture, it’s sure to be a highlight of your trip.