Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza: Tickets

Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza FAQs

• Do I need to book tickets in advance for the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid?
• We always suggest booking tickets in advance to help avoid disappointment. The Thyssen-Bornemisza museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Madrid and is part of the Golden Triangle of Art in Madrid, so is very popular. If you know when you would like to visit, it is just easier to book tickets.
• How long does it normally take to visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid?
• This is a question we get asked regularly and it’s a simple answer in that it’s entirely up to the person visiting. We would suggest at least 60-minutes, but that doesn’t really give you a huge amount of time to stop and enjoy the art, so you are welcome to stay long to enjoy and appreciate it.
• When is the best time to visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid?
• Please remember it’s very popular, so it’s unlikely that you will ever have the place to yourself, but if you prefer smaller crows, we suggest March-May or September-November and ideally the first hour after they open in the morning.
• What is the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid?
• It’s one of Madrid's most famous art museums which has a vast collection of European paintings from the Middle Ages through to the 20th century.
• Where is the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid?
• The museum is in the Paseo del Prado, in Madrid.
• What kind of art is in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid?
• The museum has art from the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, and Pop Art, amongst others.
• How does the Thyssen-Bornemisza compare to the Prado and Reina Sofía museums?
• The Prado focuses on classical Spanish and European masters, the Reina Sofía specializes in modern and contemporary art, while the Thyssen offers a mix of both, covering a broader range of artistic styles and movements.
• What are the most famous paintings in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid?
• Some highlights include "Portrait of Giovanna Tornabuoni" by Ghirlandaio, "Harlequin with a Mirror" by Picasso, and "Hotel Room" by Hopper.

The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza Fun Facts

• Largest Private Art Collection Ever Bought by a Government: Spain acquired most of the Thyssen collection in 1993, making it the biggest state purchase of private art at the time!
• Part of the "Golden Triangle of Art": It is one of Madrid’s three major art museums, alongside the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum.
• A Collection Spanning 700 Years: The museum has paintings from the 13th century to the 20th century, covering nearly every major European art movement!
• Once Owned by a German Baron: The collection belonged to Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza, a billionaire industrialist and art collector.
• Housed in a Former Palace: The museum is located in the Palacio de Villahermosa which is a historic 18th-century building.
• Art from Across the World: Unlike the Prado, which mainly focuses on Spanish art, the Thyssen includes Italian, Dutch, German, French, British, and American paintings.
• Has a Strong American Art Collection: It is one of the few European museums with an extensive collection of 19th and 20th-century American paintings.
• Houses a Rare Collection of German Renaissance Art: It features works from Hans Holbein, Albrecht Dürer, and Lucas Cranach, which are rare outside Germany.
• Originally Meant for Switzerland: Baron Thyssen originally wanted to house his collection in Lugano, Switzerland, but Madrid convinced him otherwise!
• Includes an Important Jewelry Collection: In addition to paintings, the museum also has a collection of precious jewelry and decorative arts.
• Contains One of the Best Surrealist Collections in Spain: The collection includes works by Dalí, Miró, and Magritte, amongst others.
• ‍Almost Sold to a Saudi Prince: Before Spain acquired the collection, Saudi royalty and other buyers tried to purchase it!