The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid hosts one of Europe’s finest private collections of Western painting from the Middle Ages through pop art. This guide gives you what you need to know, including opening hours, ticket prices, accessibility, best times to visit, how to get there, and what else you can combine in a day.
- To skip the explanation and just buy Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza tickets, head this way.
History and overview of Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
The walls of the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza are anchored in the Thyssen family collection, whose works were gradually made public. In 1992 Spain reached agreement to house much of that collection permanently in the Villahermosa palace in Madrid. The museum officially opened in 1992, adding extensions over time to display more of its holdings.
The collection spans from early Italian primitives and Northern Renaissance to 20th-century modernists. You will see artists such as Dürer, Rubens, Edward Hopper, Kandinsky, Dalí and many more. The permanent galleries show a fairly chronological sequence which helps trace European painting styles across centuries.
Temporary exhibitions are mounted regularly, often bringing in international loans and rare works. These enable visitors to see varied voices beyond the permanent collection and give a reason to visit more than once.
The building is on the Paseo del Prado (“Art Walk”) between El Prado and Reina Sofía museums, making it part of Madrid’s major museum district. The setting helps you combine multiple cultural stops without long transit.
How to get to the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
The museum address is Paseo del Prado, 8, 28014 Madrid. It sits very centrally, on the Art Walk. The closest metro station is Banco de España (Line 2). Sevilla (Line 2) is also nearby. Multiple bus lines serve the area: 1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 14, 15, 20, 27, 34, 37, 41, 51, 52, 53, 74, 146, 150. There are also local train (Cercanías) stations: Madrid-Atocha, Madrid-Recoletos.
Driving is possible but not ideal: the central area is busy, often congested, and parking is limited and expensive. Better to arrive by public transport or walk if you are staying centrally.
Opening hours and ticket prices for the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
Opening hours:
- Monday: 12.00pm to 4.00pm (only permanent collection, free admission)
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10.00am to 7.00pm
- On 24 and 31 December: 10.00am to 3.00pm
- Museum closed: 1 January, 1 May, 25 December
Ticket prices (Permanent + Temporary Exhibitions):
- General admission: €14
- Reduced ticket (students, over-65s, large families): €10
- Free admission: children under 12; citizens officially unemployed; also the free Monday slot 12.00pm-4.00pm for permanent collection
You can buy tickets online or at the museum ticket office. Be aware ticket offices close around 6.30pm. Galleries generally are cleared shortly before closing. Check the museum site for details of temporary exhibitions (which may require additional or timed tickets).
Best times to visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza and duration
To avoid crowds, arrive at or very shortly after the museum opens (10.00am Tuesday-Sunday). Free Monday afternoons are busy – expect queues then. Mid-afternoon (about 3.30pm-5.00pm) tends to be less crowded in some galleries.
Visiting the permanent collection thoroughly takes about 1½ hours. Add another 30-60 minutes if you want to see temporary shows, rest in the café, or take time with key pieces. If you are moving between museums on the Art Walk, allow extra buffer for walking and rest stops.
Nearby attractions to combine with the Thyssen-Bornemisza
Because the museum lies on the Prado-Reina Sofía triad (Paseo del Arte), you can stitch together a full museum day:
- Visit Museo del Prado first to see its classical and Romantic collections.
- Then go to Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza for its chronology and styles you may not find at Prado or Reina Sofía.
- Finish at Museo Reina Sofía to see modern and contemporary art (e.g. Picasso’s Guernica).
- Walk through the Botanical Gardens or Retiro Park afterwards – both are nearby and good for head-clearing respite after the galleries.
- Stop for food in the Barrio de las Letras or around Atocha station or Banco de España for many café/restaurant options.
Practical tips for visiting the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
- Buy tickets online ahead if you want to see temporary exhibitions or if you have limited time.
- Carry a small bag – large backpacks may need to be stored in cloakroom.
- Use the free Monday slot if it works for your schedule, but try to arrive at noon to avoid crowds building later.
- Allow extra time for security checks. Gallery closures (for cleaning or events) sometimes happen during the day — check online that those aren’t affecting shows you want.
- If mobility is a concern, lifts and ramps are provided; contact the museum ahead for specific assistance if needed.
Frequently asked questions about the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza wheelchair friendly? | Yes. The museum has lifts and ramps throughout its exhibition floors. Disabled access is provided; wheelchairs are available at cloakroom. |
| When is the free admission period? | Every Monday from 12.00pm to 4.00pm for the permanent collection. Also children under 12, people officially unemployed and certain other categories are free daily. |
| Are reduced tickets available? | Yes. Reduced tickets are available for students, over-65s, members of large families, teachers, and other qualifying statuses with proof. |
| When should I arrive to avoid queues? | At opening time (10.00am) Tuesday-Sunday, or just before noon on Monday. Avoid late afternoons of free or special days. |
| Are photos allowed inside? | Yes. Non-flash photography is generally permitted. Tripods, large equipment, or flash use may be restricted. |
| Is there a café or restaurant on site? | Yes. There is a café and restaurant inside Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, plus a museum shop. Refreshments are available. |
| How long should I plan for the visit? | At least 1½ hours for permanent collection. If you also include temporary exhibitions, café/rest time, allow around 2-3 hours. |
| Can I combine tickets with other museums? | Yes. The “Paseo del Arte” pass allows entry to Thyssen-Bornemisza, Prado and Reina Sofía for one set price, useful if you plan to see all three. |
Madrid hotel recommendations
I’ve inspected a lot of hotels in Madrid, and these are three of my favourites.
- Hotel Urban:: Bold design elements from all over the world, make for a swaggering, fun vibe. The rooftop pool is a bonus.
- Room Mate Oscar: Also lots of fun, also with daring design and a rooftop pool. But considerably cheaper (well, usually).
- Villa Real: Embracing heritage, this classy five star is part archaeological museum – it has pieced together more than 100 mosaics from around the Mediterranean.
