Right opposite of the Prado museum and the famous statue of Neptune, we can find the museum of Thyssen-Bornemisza, which is one of the grandest and most important collections of art in the world. It is one of the three famous art museums of Madrid known as the “Golden Triangle of Art”, which includes the aforementioned Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza, and museum of Reina Sofia. Today in this article, ShMadrid will tell you more on an interesting museum; the museum of Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Related article: The Best Museums in Madrid
Index
The museum
Photo via Pixabay
Historically, the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum used to be the second largest collection of arts in the world (after the British Royal Collection). In 2013, Thyssen-Bornemisza received more than 900,000 visitors. Family Thyssen, that accumulated their wealth in central Europe in the beginning of the 20th century, eventually gradually expanded their collection of art pieces, that, especially today, astonishes us with the works of German, Dutch, and Italian artists like Van Dyke, Van Gogh, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Picasso and many more.
The Museum opened in Madrid in 1992. His wife, Carmen Cervera, was a major influence in persuading the baron from relocating the majority of his collection from its original spot in Lugano to Madrid, where there was an unoccupied building not far from the already famous Prado museum. Moreover, the active support and favourable relations of Thyssen with the Spanish royal family was also a significant factor in the decision to choose Madrid as the “headquarters” for this museum.
The collection of the Museum of Thyssen contains over 1000 pieces, starting with the Gothic works of the 20th century. The first floor of the museum offers you the magnificent works of Dutch and German artists, while the second floor is dedicated to the marvellous Italian artists. Undeniably, a fantastic journey through the history of European art! Nowadays, the baron’s wife is actively involved with the museum. She personally contributed to selecting the design of the interior. In fact, she publicly demonstrated against reconstruction being done to redevelop the Paseo del Prado, because she believed the works could have damaged the collection.
Related article: The Ticket to a Cheaper Museum Visit
Location
Photo via Pixabay
Museum of Thyssen-Bornemisza is located in Palacio Villahermosa, which is located right on the Prado boulevard, only a few minutes near Prado museum, which is known to be one of the best art galleries in the world. Within 500 meters of the museum, you can also find the Cibeles square, one of the symbols of Madrid, and also the Palacio de Comunicaciones.
Useful Information
Address: Paseo del Prado 8
Metro: Banco de España, Vodafone Sol, Sevilla
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, from 10-19; Monday from 12-16
Holidays: 1st of January, 1st of May, 25th of December; 24th and 31st of December from 10-15
General fee: 10€
What are your thoughts on the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum?
