Three Must-See Museums Of Madrid's Art

The Art Of Madrid Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

Each of these three museums is magnificent in its own way!

Known as the golden triangle of art, each of the museums included in this tour fulfills another portion of the history of Spanish culture. As they are all close together, you can easily walk between them with your guide who can point out some of the beautiful buildings and parks you pass along the way. Though the idea of three art museums in one day may sound paralyzing, each is special in its message and none are overly large. If you have time to see them, including these museums in your Madrid stay will create special thoughts about Spain and its history.

The Prado is one of the world's greatest museums with a rich collection of artwork that began with the Habsburg monarchs. Spanish art is incredible in its passion and content and, as does the culture, it relays the message of the times. Its collection includes works by Velazquez and de Goya, two of the greatest artists not only in Spain, but in the world. The museum is large and your guide will direct you to the most important pieces of the collection.

The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia is stunning and houses an outstanding contemporary art collection. Among the famous pieces you will see is Picasso's Guernica which has its own room. What is wonderful is that Guernica, which has not always lived in this museum, was moved here and now puts many other artworks also created for the Spanish Pavilion in Paris in 1937 into context. Pieces by Miro, Salvador Dali, and Juan Gris are part of this moving collection in a splendid building. You may want to include the photography of Spain taken in the 1950s by Brassai for Harper's Bazaar, so interesting when you view them in the country they portray.

Finally, the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, a private collection of Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza. The Villahermosa Palace, the location of this collection, is one of the most important buildings in Madrid’s repertoire of palatial architecture. Its origins date from the early 17th century. The Thyssen fills the historical gaps in its counterparts' collections. With over 1,600 paintings, the Thyssen-Bornemisza collection was once the second largest private collection in the world after the British Royal Collection. The museum was opened in 1992 after an agreement was reached between the Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Spanish government. Here you will see many recognizable artists, including Titian, Goya, Caravaggio, VanGogh, Gauguin, and Cezanne, along with more Spanish artists that will become familiar during your tour.

- Tour cost includes "Skip-the-Line" nonrefundable admission ticket per person, which includes all 3 museums. They are non-refundable if the tour is confirmed and then cancelled before the 2-week period. Once the tour is confirmed, $39 USD per person is non refundable.
- Food, beverages, and gratuities are not included in the price of this tour. You will have time to stop for lunch and/or coffee during the day.
- Please dress comfortably as you will be walking between museums.
- If you choose to move between the museums by taxi, the cost is additional.
- The order of the museums may be changed.

- The Prado Museum is open every day. It is closed, however, on January 1, May 1, and December 25.
- The Reina Sofia Museum is closed on Mondays. It is also closed on January 1 and 6, May 1, May 15*, November 9*, and December 24*, 25 and 31
- The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is open every day, though some days have limited hours. The Museum is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25. On 24 and 31 December the Museum will be open from 10.00 to 3:00pm.

Days offered: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Departures:

• 09:30 AM, duration: 8 hours