Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum or Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is an art museum in Madrid, Spain.
It is named after its founder, Baron Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, or Thyssen.
With over 1600 paintings, the Thyssen Museum houses works from renowned artists like Caravaggio, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and many more.
It is part of the “Golden Triangle of Art,” which also includes the Prado and the Reina Sofia Museum.
This guide covers everything from its must-watch arts, history, opening hours, the best time to visit, how to reach it, and ticket details.
Where is the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum located?
Location: P. del Prado, 8, 28014 Madrid, Spain. Get Directions
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is in Madrid’s northern part of the Golden Triangle of Art.
It is nearly 365 m from the Prado Museum and 876m from the Reina Sofia Museum on one of the city’s main streets.
About Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Opened: October, 19992
Address: P. del Prado, 8, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Opening Timings: 10 am to 7 pm (Tuesday to Sunday) and 12 pm to 4 pm (Monday)
Free days: Monday (12 noon to 4 pm)
Best Time to visit: 10 am on weekdays
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum Tickets: €13
Nearby Places: Prado Museum (365 m)
Closest Station: Banco de España, Line 2
What to see at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid houses a remarkable art collection spanning several centuries and styles.
Here are a few highlights from the extensive collection you must not miss.
The Annunciation Diptych by Jan van Eyck
Jan van Eyck was a diplomat, portrait master, and author of over a hundred religious paintings.
“Annunciation” is a stunning masterpiece created as a gift for Duke Charles the Bold.
The painting is known for its remarkable detail and incredibly realistic figures, a testament to the artist’s exceptional technical skill.
Unfortunately, only the left wing of this grand religious triptych has survived.
Portrait of Giovanna degli Albizzi Tornabuoni by Domenico Ghirlandaio
Domenico Ghirlandaio, a renowned Florentine artist, painted this posthumous portrait of Giovanna Tornabuoni, Lorenzo Tornabuoni’s wife, who died in childbirth in 1488.
This portrait exemplifies Renaissance portraiture, adhering to the genre’s rules with its half-length depiction, profile view, idealized proportions, and clasped hands.
Jesus Among the Doctors by Albrecht Dürer
Albrecht Dürer, a famous German Renaissance artist, painted “Jesus Among the Doctors” during his second visit to Italy, where he was highly regarded.
This artwork depicts 12-year-old Jesus talking to wise priests in the Jerusalem temple.
It focuses on the characters’ expressions and gestures to convey their emotions, highlighting Jesus’ calmness and the priests’ nervousness.
Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Caravaggio
Caravaggio, a renowned Italian Baroque painter, profoundly impacted 17th-century European art.
The delicate painting by the artist depicts the intelligent and fearless beauty of Catherine of Alexandria, who was martyred in the 4th century.
He used Fillide Melandroni, a courtesan, as the model for the painting, which turned out to be quite controversial.
Other Famous Artworks
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum tickets
The Thyssen Museum attracts more than a million visitors annually, about three thousand daily.
This is why booking your tickets online well in advance is a better idea.
It will save you up to 20 minutes of waiting time at the counter if you book online in advance.
After making the purchase, you will receive an email with your Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum tickets.
When you arrive at the museum, you can show the tickets at the entrance and walk in. It is not necessary to take printouts.
Below, you will find a list of different kinds of Thyssen Museum experiences you can book.
With these tickets, you can watch all the artwork inside the museum at your preferred time slot.
Skip the Line Tickets to Thyssen Museum
Skip the Line Thyssen Museum tickets are the cheapest and most popular way to enter the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid.
These tickets allow you to skip the waiting line at the ticket office and enter the museum directly.
You can see temporary and permanent exhibitions showcasing the works of the world’s most famous artists, including Van Gogh, Picasso, and Monet.
While booking this ticket, you can select an audio guide.
Ticket Prices
Entry ticket without an audio guide
Adult ticket (18 to 64 years): 13 Euros
Seniors ticket (65+ years): 10 Euros
Student ticket (valid student ID): 10 Euros
Child ticket (up to 17 years): Free
For an additional 5 euros, you can purchase an audio guide with your ticket.
The audio guide is available in Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, and Chinese.
Entry ticket with Audio Guide
Adult ticket (18 to 64 years): 18 Euros
Seniors ticket (65+ years): 15 Euros
Student ticket (valid student ID): 15 Euros
Child ticket (up to 17 years): 5 Euros
Note: If there is a special exhibition at the Thyssen Museum, you must select a time slot to visit it.
This is to help manage the crowds and ensure everyone has a good experience.
The Thyssen Museum’s permanent exhibition can be visited at any time during the museum’s opening hours.
You do not need to book a time to visit the permanent exhibition.
The last admission to the museum is one hour before closing.
Paseo del Arte Pass
Madrid is home to three world-renowned art museums: the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, the Prado Museum, and the Reina Sofia Museum.
These museums are all located within walking distance of each other, forming the “Golden Triangle of Art.”
If you’re an art lover, the Paseo del Arte Pass is the perfect way to experience all three museums.
The pass gives you one-year admission to all three museums, saves you 14% on entrance tickets, and lets you skip the lines.
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum has a wide range of art from the 13th to the 20th centuries, including works by Botticelli, Velázquez, Monet, and Picasso.
The Prado Museum is home to a world-famous collection of Spanish art, including masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
The Reina Sofía Museum is known for its modern and contemporary art collection, including works by Picasso, Miró, and Dalí.
The Paseo del Arte Pass is an excellent value for money, and it’s the perfect way to see some of the best art in the world.
Thyssen Bornemisza Museum map
The museum is divided into three floors:
- Level 0: This floor is home to 20th-century art, including works by Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol.
- Level 1: This floor features Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and German Expressionist paintings, including works by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Cézanne.
- Level 2: This floor is dedicated to old masters, including works by Giotto, Botticelli, Titian, and El Greco.
The museum also has a temporary exhibition space, which features a variety of rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
If you are planning to visit the Thyssen Museum, it is a good idea to download a museum map in advance.
This will help you plan your visit and ensure you don’t miss any highlights.
What is the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum famous for?
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is famous for its remarkable and extensive art collection, which spans eight centuries of European painting.
The museum’s collection houses artworks by renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Kirchner, Hopper, Gauguin, Rubens, Frans Hals, and many more.
It is also known for its impressive collection of early European paintings, including trecento and quattrocento Italian paintings.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum complements the collections of the Prado and Reina Sofia museums by filling historical gaps.
This includes primitive Italian art and works from the English, Dutch, and German schools for the Prado Museum.
History of Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
The Thyssen Museum has a fascinating history that started in the 1920s.
During that time, Heinrich, Baron Thyssen-Bornemisza de Kászon, began collecting art for his private collection.
Instead of buying European paintings, he acquired many masterpieces from American millionaires dealing with the Great Depression and inheritance taxes.
His collection included remarkable works like Ghirlandaio’s portrait of Giovanna Tornabuoni and Carpaccio’s Knight.
Later, Heinrich’s son, Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza, expanded the collection by gathering art from his family and acquiring new pieces of Gothic art.
Initially, the collection was housed in a twenty-room building on the family estate in Lugano, Munich.
Later, in 1988, Thyssen Bornemisza sought to expand the collection with a new extension by British architects. However, the Lugano City Council rejected this plan.
In 1985, the baron’s marriage to Carmen “Tita” Cervera, a former Miss Spain, introduced her to art collecting.
Her influence led to the collection’s relocation to Spain, where the museum officially opened in 1992, displaying 715 works of art.
The Spanish government purchased 775 works for $350 million a year later.
Since then, the museum has been located near two other famous museums in Madrid, Spain, and attracts hundreds and thousands of visitors.
How to Reach Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Reaching the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is quite convenient, offering various transportation options:
By Bus: You can reach the museum by taking one of the following bus routes: 1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 14, 15, 20, 27, 34, 37, 41, 51, 52, 53, 74, 146, or 150.
By Train: If you prefer the train, stop at Atocha Station or Estacion Recoletos, just a short walk from the museum.
By Metro: Take line 2 and get off at Banco de España station; from there, the museum is just a short walk away.
By Car: For those driving, simply input “Paseo del Prado, 8, 28014 Madrid, Spain” into your smartphone or GPS app and follow the directions.
Parking is available at Las Cortes for your convenience.
By Bike: If you love riding a bike, you can pick one up from the nearest bike station and reach Marqués de Cubas, 25.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum Opening Hours
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum opens at 10 am and closes at 7 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
For those looking to enjoy the museum for free, the timings are from 12 pm to 4 pm on Mondays.
However, on December 24 and 31, the adjusted hours for welcoming visitors are from 10 am to 3 pm.
It’s essential to note that the museum observes certain holidays, remaining closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.
Visitors can plan their visits accordingly to appreciate the world-class art on display.
How Long Do you Need at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum?
A typical visit to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid can be thoroughly enjoyed in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
During this time, visitors can explore the museum’s extensive collection of European art spanning several centuries and appreciate its remarkable highlights.
However, those with a more profound interest in art and a desire to explore the collection more comprehensively may choose to spend additional time exploring the museum.
Best Time to Visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
The best time to visit the Thyssen Museum is ideally during the early hours, right at 10 am, particularly on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
These weekdays offer a quieter experience than the bustling crowds on Mondays (due to free entry) and the weekend rush on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
For those seeking a pleasant and budget-friendly visit, the best times of the year are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November).
The weather is pleasant during these times, and crowds are relatively smaller than during the peak summer season.
Winter can also be a budget-friendly choice, as hotel prices and accommodations are cheaper, making it an excellent option.
FAQ’s
Who was Thyssen?
Thyssen Bornemisza was a prominent art collector and a member of the Thyssen industrialist family.
In 1993, Baron Thyssen sold a significant portion of his art collection to the Spanish government, which later became the basis for the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid.
When was the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum built?
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, in its current form, was officially opened to the public on October 8, 1992.
However, it is housed in a historic neoclassical palace known as the Villahermosa Palace (Palacio de Villahermosa), whose construction dates back to the 18th century.
What is the history of the Thyssen Museum in Madrid?
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid was opened in 1992, showcasing its remarkable collection spanning centuries and art styles.
The Spanish government later acquired a significant portion of the collection.
Do you need tickets for the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum?
You generally need tickets to enter the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid. The ticket price starts at 13 euros.
However, entry is free on Monday from 12 pm to 4 pm.
What is the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum known for?
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid is known for its diverse and extensive collection of European paintings.
It features works by famous artists from various art movements and periods.
How long does it take to see the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum?
A visit to the Thyssen Museum will take at least 2–3 hours to experience the main highlights and most parts.
If you are an art enthusiast, you can spend more time here and visit the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums nearby.
What should I not miss at Thyssen?
The Annunciation Diptych by Jan van Eyck, Portrait of Giovanna degli Albizzi Tornabuoni, Domenico Ghirlandaio, and Young Knight in a Landscape by Vittore Carpaccio
Jesus Among the Doctors by Albrecht Dürer, Landscape with the Rest on the Flight into Egypt by Joachim Patinir, etc., are some famous artworks you must not miss at Thyssen.
What time is Thyssen’s free entry?
Visitors can enter the Thyssen Madrid Museum for free every Monday from 12 pm to 4 pm.
Who are the most famous artists in Thyssen?
Caravaggio, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Wassily Kandinsky, and Edward Hopper are some of the most famous artists in Thyssen.
Is Thyssen worth seeing?
Yes, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid is worth visiting.
It has an impressive collection of European paintings, including works from the 13th to 20th centuries.
The museum has art from renowned artists like Caravaggio, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and many more.
What is the name of the famous museum in Madrid, Spain?
There are three famous museums in Madrid, Spain, collectively known as the “Golden Triangle of Art.”
The Prado Museum (Museo del Prado), the Reina Sofia Museum (Museo Reina Sofia), and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza)
What is the Big Three Museum in Madrid?
The Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums are known as Madrid’s Big Three Museums.
What are the 3 museums in the Golden Triangle of Art in Madrid?
The three museums in the Golden Triangle of Art in Madrid are Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Thyssen-Bornemisza.
The Golden Triangle is used for these three museums, as they are located close to each other, forming a triangular area in the heart of Madrid.
Featured Image: Emuseothyssen.org