Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

+ 900 works on display
One of the most visited museums in Europe
+ than 100 temporary exhibitions over its history

The best experiences

Choose your visit

Click here to find out more about it

Choose day and time

You can go alone or in a group.

It goes through every corner of. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Enjoy a unique place.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, located in the center of Madrid, holds great international relevance and has one of the most comprehensive collections of Impressionist and Post -Impressionist art outside of France. The origins of the Thyssen Museum began in the city of Lugano, whereHeinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza opened a private gallery at Villa Favorita. After his death, his son Hans Heinrich acquired modern works by German Expressionist artists and Avant-Garde.

Over the years, he continued to acquire numerous works and organize exhibitions throughout Europe. Therefore, he wanted to expand the Lugano gallery. After failing to secure funding to enlarge Villa Favorita, the baron decided to move his collection to Spain, influenced by his wife Carmen Cervera. The Thyssen Museum opened its doors in 1992 at the Palacio Villahermosa, and in 1993, the sale of the works to Spanish state was formalized, consolidating the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza as a key part of Madrid’s Art Triangle, alongside the Prado Museum and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.
Visitors can find masterpieces by great artists such as Titian, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, Kandinsky, and Dalí. Additionally, different temporary exhibition halls have been inaugurated, and a new wing has opened to house the Carmen Thyssen Collection.

Currently, the number of visitors to the Thyssen Museum has been growing exponentially, and it now exceeds half a million. In fact, it has become one of the most important art museums in Europe.

One of the greatest art collectors

Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza, recognized as one of the greatest collectors and patrons of art in the world, had a significant role in acquiring artworks. His passion for art allowed him to open the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid, a space that houses one of the most important collections in the world.

Additionally, he founded the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection Foundation, which is responsible for managing, conserving, and promoting his collection. Through this foundation, his artistic legacy is preserved and made accessible to the public.

Promoting Art in the Community

The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is deeply committed to the local community, offering educational programs and activities that bring art closer to everyone. Through workshops, lectures, and guided tours, the museum encourages active participation and learning about art, giving visitors the opportunity to explore different forms of artistic expression in an interactive way.

All these initiatives make art accessible to diverse audiences and strengthen the bond between culture and society. Additionally, the museum collaborates with educators and teachers to explore new educational methodologies related to art. The Thyssen Museum ensures that everyone, regardless of their prior knowledge or age, can enjoy the works in its collection, contributing to the cultural enrichment of the community.

A Historic Refuge for Art in Madrid

The Palace of Villahermosa, built in the 17th century, is an architectural gem in neoclassical style located in Madrid. The building was remodeled over the years by aristocratic families until it eventually became the home of the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.

Before this, in 1839, the palace was established as the Liceo Artístico y Literario of Madrid, becoming a key cultural center of Romanticism. In addition to its artistic use, the Palaceof Villahermosa was used for financial purposes by the Transatlantic Trade Bank until the bank went bankrupt, at which point Baron Thyssen purchased it to house his collection. The building offers a unique setting, and the museum’s rooms feature important works such as Les Vessenots en Auvers by Van Gogh and Venus and Cupid by Rubens.

Rescuing a Passion

After the death of Baron Heinrich Thyssen Bornemisza, his son, Has Heinrich, committed to continuing his father’s passion art. He dedicated his life to expanding and enriching the family collection, repurchasing the artworks that had been distributed among his siblings in the inheritance to create a larger gallery.

Hans Heinrich also diversified the collection by incorporating art from different periods, styles, and nationalities, including both European and American artists. Thanks to his legacy, the Thyssen Museum now houses paintings by artists such as Rubens, El Greco, Caravaggio, Degas and Van Gogh. His collection remains a global reference, preserved and promoted through the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection Foundation, for the enjoyment of future generations.

The Art Triangle

The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, along with the Prado Museum and the Museo Reina Sofía, forms part of the Art Triangle. It is a group of museums located in the heart of Madrid, along the Paseo del Prado. This artistic corridor is considered one of the most important cultural destinations in the world, housing some of the most remarkable collections of classical, modern, and contemporary art.

The Art Triangle receives over 5 million visitors annually, establishing itself as the city’s primary tourist and cultural attraction. Additionally, the proximity of these three museums allows visitors to enjoy a unique experience, exploring the evolution of art through various periods and styles.

Recommendations for the visit

You must to keep in mind the closing time
The visit to the museum can last 90 minutes
Carry ID card
Check the schedule of activities and events

You must to keep in mind the closing time

The rooms will begin to be cleared 5 minutes before the museum closes

The visit to the museum can last 90 minutes

The tour of the museum depends on the time spent in each room. Following a minimum tour of the museum’s most important work, your visit can take up to 90 minutes.

Carry ID card

To enter to the museum you must have a valid passport or ID card with you, as you will have to show it at the security desk.

Check the schedule of activities and events

The museum organizes educational activities, lectures, and other special events that can enrich your visit. Check the event calendar to see if there’s something interesting happening during your stay.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

The best experiences

Thyssen Museum: Ticket + Audioguide

Art Triangle: Tickets for the Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum and Thyssen Museum

Thyssen Museum Tickets

Guided Tour of the Thyssen Museum

Choose your visit

Choose day and time

It goes through every corner of. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

One of the greatest art collectors

Promoting Art in the Community

A Historic Refuge for Art in Madrid

Rescuing a Passion

The Art Triangle

Recommendations for the visit

You must to keep in mind the closing time

The visit to the museum can last 90 minutes

Carry ID card

Check the schedule of activities and events

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer service