12 Best Museums In Madrid

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

Stepping foot into a museum is like opening a door to another universe, where time stands still and creativity knows no bounds. And if you're seeking such an extraordinary experience as an art lover, look no further than Madrid's remarkable collection of museums.

With its vibrant art scene and rich cultural heritage, this Spanish capital boasts some of the most breathtaking exhibits known to mankind. So grab your passport and let's embark on an unforgettable adventure through the best museums in Madrid.

1. Museo Nacional del Prado

I have visited many museums in Madrid, but the Prado Museum or the Museo Nacional del Prado stands out as one of the best art museums in the world. The Museum is located in downtown Madrid and is home to one of the largest and finest collections of European art, dating from the 12th century to the early 20th century.

The Prado National Museum is best known for its diverse assortment of works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. The museum's collection also includes masterpieces by Raphael, Titian, Bosch, and Rubens. One of the most famous works in the museum is Las Meninas by Velázquez.

This museum in Spain's capital has an impressive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The art collection is displayed in more than 100 rooms and galleries, and it can take more than three hours to see everything. The museum also has beautiful gardens that are perfect for a stroll.

Admission tickets to the museum can be purchased online or at the museum. The museum also offers audio guides that provide information about the museum's history and the masterpieces on display. I highly recommend getting an audio guide to enhance your experience at the museum.

Contact:

Address: C. de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, 28014 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 913 30 28 00

2. Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

As I was researching the best Madrid museums, I came across the Reina Sofía Museum, also known as the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.

The Reina Sofía Museum is Spain's national museum of 20th-century art and is home to an impressive collection of contemporary art. The museum was officially inaugurated on September 10, 1992, and is named after Queen Sofía. It is situated near the Atocha train and metro stations, at the southern end of the so-called "Golden Triangle of Art" (located along the Paseo del Prado).

One of the most iconic pieces at the Reina Sofia Museum is Pablo Picasso's "Guernica." This painting in shades of grey, white, and black represents a Spanish Civil War tragedy: the bombing of its titular small town in northern Spain. Its dimensions, nearly 12-feet long, as well as the absence of color, make it a truly overwhelming piece.

The museum is also home to a diverse collection of 20th-century Spanish art, from Pablo Picasso to Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, and other Spanish artists. The museum hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, so there is always something new to discover.

Contact:

Address: C. de Sta. Isabel, 52, 28012 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 917 74 10 00

3. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

I have visited many art museums in Madrid, but the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, also known as the Museo de Arte Thyssen-Bornemisza, stands out as one of the best in Madrid's art scene. It is located near the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum, forming the Golden Triangle of Art. The museum houses an impressive collection of European art from the 13th century to the present day.

The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum has a diverse collection that includes works from the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Romanticism, Impressionism, Expressionism, and Pop Art movements. The museum's permanent collection includes more than 1,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Some of the most famous works in the collection include "Portrait of Giovanna Tornabuoni" by Domenico Ghirlandaio, "Venus and Cupid" by Peter Paul Rubens, and "Woman with a Fan" by Amedeo Modigliani.

In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions often focus on a specific artist or movement and provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the art and its historical context. The museum also offers guided tours, workshops, and educational programs for children and adults.

Contact:

Address: P.º del Prado, 8, 28014 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 917 91 13 70

4. Madrid History Museum

As someone who loves history, I highly recommend visiting the Madrid History Museum during your trip to Madrid. This top museum in Madrid offers a comprehensive look at the city's past, from prehistoric times to the present day.

The museum is situatedin the historic center of Madrid and is housed in a beautiful 18th-century building. Inside, you'll find a wide range of exhibits that cover everything from the Iberian Peninsula to the medieval period and the Americas.

One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of artifacts from the prehistoric period, which includes tools, weapons, and other objects that offer a glimpse into the lives of the earliest inhabitants of the Madrid region. The museum also has an impressive collection of artifacts from the Roman period, including mosaics, statues, and other items.

Moving forward in time, the museum has exhibits that cover the medieval period in Madrid, including the city's role as a center of trade and commerce. There are also exhibits that cover the city's history during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, as well as its role in the Spanish Empire.

For those interested in the history of the Americas, the museum has a collection of artifacts from the colonial period, including maps, paintings, and other items that offer insight into the relationship between Spain and its colonies.

Contact:

Address: Calle de Fuencarral, 78, 28004 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 917 01 18 63

5. Naval Museum

I visited the Naval Museum during my recent trip to Madrid and was impressed by the vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history of the Spanish navy. The museum is located in the current Spanish Army Headquarters and is a state institution that belongs to the Ministry of Defense.

The museum features a wide range of items, including paintings, coin collections, boats, and weapons. One of the highlights is the collection of scale model ships that depict the evolution of naval technology throughout history. The models are incredibly detailed and provide a fascinating insight into the development of naval engineering.

Contact:

Address: P.º del Prado, 3, 28014 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 915 23 85 16

6. Sorolla Museum

As one of the top museums, the Sorolla Museum, also known as Museo Sorolla, is dedicated to the works of Joaquín Sorolla, a Spanish painter known for his masterpieces that capture the Mediterranean light. The museum is located in the Chamberí neighborhood of Madrid and is set in Sorolla's former family home.

As I entered the museum, I was immediately struck by the original atmosphere of Sorolla's home and study, which the museum has preserved. The museum showcases a wide range of Sorolla's works, from his early sketches to his most famous paintings. I was particularly impressed by Sorolla's use of light and color, which gave his paintings a unique and vibrant quality.

One of the highlights of my visit was the garden, which is filled with beautiful flowers and Mediterranean plants. The garden was one of Sorolla's favorite places to paint, and it's easy to see why. The garden provides a peaceful and serene backdrop to Sorolla's paintings, and it's the perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of his work.

Contact:

Address: P.º del Gral. Martínez Campos, 37, 28010 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 913 10 15 84

7. Museo Lázaro Galdiano

As I explored the best museums to visit in Madrid, I came across the Museo Lázaro Galdiano. This art museum is situated on the Serrano street and exhibits a vast collection of artworks from renowned artists like Goya, Velázquez, Murillo, Constable, El Bosco, and many more.

The Museo Lázaro Galdiano is a perfect place for those who appreciate art and history. The museum has a collection of over 12,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and decorative arts. The collection is spread over three floors and arranged according to themes, making it easier for visitors to navigate.

The museum's architecture is also worth mentioning; it is a beautiful 19th-century building that was once the residence of the collector José Lázaro Galdiano. The museum has preserved the original decor of the building, which adds to its charm.

Contact:

Address: C. de Serrano, 122, 28006 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 915 61 60 84

8. Cerralbo Museum

One of the oldest museums in the city, the Cerralbo Museum, also known as Museo Cerralbo, is a specialty museum that houses the art and historical object collections of Enrique de Aguilera y Gamboa, Marquis of Cerralbo, who died in 1922.

The Cerralbo Museum is a State-owned museum that was opened as a private gallery in 1893 by Enrique de Aguilera y Gamboa, the Marquis of Cerralbo. The Marquis was a prominent figure in Spanish society, and his collections reflect his interests in art, archaeology, and history. The museum's collection includes over 50,000 objects, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and decorative arts.

The Cerralbo Museum is housed in a late 19th-century palace of Italian architecture. The palace is a work of art in itself, with its lavish interiors, ornate ceilings, and intricate details. The museum's galleries are arranged in a way that takes visitors on a journey through different periods of history. The museum's rooms are filled with beautiful works of art, including paintings by El Greco, Zurbarán, and Goya.

The Cerralbo Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 3 pm, with extended hours on Thursdays until 8 pm. On Sundays and public holidays, the museum is open from 10 am to 3 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays, January 1st and 6th, May 1st, July 16th, and December 24th, 25th, and 31st. Admission for adults is € 3 (US$ 3.20).

Contact:

Address: C. de Ventura Rodríguez, 17, 28008 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 915 47 36 46

9. Railway Museum

The Railway Museum, also known as Museo del Ferrocarril, is located in the historic Delicias train station, which was opened in 1880 by King Alfonso XII and Queen Maria Cristina. The station is a significant example of the "iron architecture" of the nineteenth century, and it adds to the museum's charm and character.

The Railway Museum is one of the largest historic railroad collections in Europe, and it houses an impressive collection of locomotives, carriages, and other railway-related items.

The museum's exhibits are well-curated, and they provide a comprehensive overview of the history of train travel and the development of the railway system in Madrid. The exhibits include vintage trains, locomotives, carriages, and other railway-related items. The museum also has a collection of historic photographs, documents, and other artifacts related to the railway system in the capital of Spain.

The Railway Museum is home to the Railway Historical Archives and the Railway Library and Newspaper Library, which is the only one in Spain. The library's main purpose is to preserve, study, and promote railway heritage. The museum also has a beautiful garden called CIMAF, where visitors can enjoy the garden trains that run every Saturday between 11:30 am and 2 pm.

Contact:

Address: Paseo de las Delicias, 61, 28045 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 915 39 00 85

10. Caixaforum Madrid

Last year I visited the Caixaforum, a cultural center located just across the street from the Prado museum. The modern space features rotating exhibitions and is the city's first vertical garden, standing at an impressive 78 feet tall.

As an art enthusiast, I was blown away by the exhibitions on display at the Caixaforum. The center focuses on modern and contemporary art, showcasing works from both established and up-and-coming artists.

One of the things that impressed me the most was its commitment to community engagement. The center hosts a variety of events and activities, including workshops, concerts, and film screenings. It's a great place to not only view art but also to connect with others who share your interests.

Contact:

Address: P.º del Prado, 36, 28014 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 913 30 73 00

11. National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum (MAN) is one of the must-visit museums in Madrid for history enthusiasts. It is located on Calle de Serrano beside the Plaza de Colón and shares its building with the National Library of Spain. The museum was reopened in 2014 after a comprehensive remodeling process that lasted for six years.

The MAN houses one of the world's most important antique collections, which covers prehistoric times to the 19th century. The important museum has a vast collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Nubia, among others.

One of the museum's highlights is the Lady of Elche, an iconic sculpture from the Iberian Peninsula that dates back to the 4th century BC. The sculpture is believed to represent a goddess or a priestess.

Besides the permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that cover various topics related to archaeology and history. The museum's website provides up-to-date information about the current and upcoming exhibitions.

The MAN is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Spain, and it is an excellent addition to any traveler's itinerary.

Contact:

Address: C. de Serrano, 13, 28001 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 915 77 79 12

12. Museum of Romanticism

The Museum of Romanticism, also known as Museo del Romanticismo, is a State-owned Madrid art museum in Spain. It is a beautifully curated collection of artefacts from the 19th century, reflecting the city life of the gentry of Madrid during the Romantic period.

The museum was inaugurated in 1924 as Museo Romántico and was created by Don Benigno de la Vega-Inclán y Flaquer, the second Marquis of Vega Inclán (1858-1942), who donated it to the state in 1921. The museum is housed in a neo-classical palace once owned by the Marquis of Matallana.

The Museum of Romanticism is one of the best art museums in Madrid and is a hidden gem that is well worth a visit. It offers visitors a glimpse into the art and decorative art of the Romantic period and showcases the artistic and cultural heritage of Spain.

The museum's collection includes paintings, sculptures, furniture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and other decorative art objects from the Romantic period. Some of the highlights of the collection include paintings by Francisco de Goya, Federico de Madrazo, and Vicente López; sculptures by Antonio Solá and José Álvarez Cubero; and furniture by the renowned cabinetmaker, Antonio López.

Contact:

Address: C. de San Mateo, 13, 28004 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 914 48 10 45