The Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid is Spain’s leading modern art museum. Here’s a practical guide to planning your visit, including opening times, ticket prices, accessibility, and the best times to go for avoiding long queues.
- To skip the information and just book tickets, head this way.
History and overview of the Museo Reina Sofía
The Museo Reina Sofía was founded in the 20th century to showcase Spain’s modern and contemporary art. It has evolved into a cultural centre centred on two buildings: the Sabatini Building and the Nouvel Building, both housing permanent collections and temporary exhibitions.
One of the museum’s crown jewels is Picasso’s Guernica, a powerful work that draws many visitors. Other headline artists in the collection include Dalí, Miró, Juan Gris and Ángeles Santos. The mix of permanent and temporary displays makes each visit different.
The architecture itself is part of the attraction. The Sabatini Building is older, more classical, while the Nouvel Building is modern, with glass façades and rooftop terraces. The layout bridges old and new, with gardens, terraces and visually striking public spaces.
The Reina Sofía also operates venues in the Parque del Retiro (Palacio de Velázquez and Palacio de Cristal), though these have been temporarily closed for renovations. When open, they host site-specific exhibitions and installations that complement the main museum.
Why book the Reina Sofía Museum guided tour?
- 🎨 Discover Spain’s best modern art collection, including works by Picasso, Dalí, and Miró, with an expert art-historian guide.
- 🖼 Includes skip-the-line admission to the Reina Sofía Museum, saving you time at the entrance.
- 📜 Learn the stories behind iconic masterpieces such as Picasso’s Guernica and the evolution of Spanish contemporary art.
- 👥 Enjoy a small-group experience (maximum 15 participants) for a more personal and engaging tour.
- 📍 Convenient meeting point outside the museum entrance on Calle de Santa Isabel.
- ✅ Mobile tickets accepted and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
How to get to the Museo Reina Sofía
The main museum site (Sabatini and Nouvel Buildings) is located between Calle de Santa Isabel and Ronda de Atocha, near the Atocha train station. Metro and regional train lines stop at Estación del Arte / Atocha, making access by public transport very convenient.
If you are walking, many landmarks are nearby: the Prado Museum and Thyssen-Bornemisza are part of the Art Walk (“Paseo del Arte”). The streets around Reina Sofía are busy and may have traffic restrictions. Driving is far from ideal; use paid parking garages near Atocha or in central Madrid if needed.
Opening hours and ticket prices at the Museo Reina Sofía
The Main Venue (Sabatini and Nouvel Buildings) is open:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10.00 am to 9.00 pm
- Sunday: 10.00 am to 2.30 pm
- Tuesday: closed
Admission prices are:
- General admission (Collection + temporary exhibitions): €12
- Two-visit ticket: €18 (valid for two different visits within one year)
- Admission + audio-guide: €16.50 (available at ticket offices)
There are free admission hours for individuals:
- Monday, Wednesday to Saturday from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
- Sunday from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm
The museum is closed on certain public holidays: 1 and 6 January, 1 and 15 May, 9 November, 24, 25 and 31 December. Also, visitors must leave galleries 15 minutes before closing. Last ticket sales 30 minutes before closing.
Best times to visit Museo Reina Sofía and how long it takes
The museum tends to be busiest in the morning hours (10.00 am – 12.00 pm) and during free admission slots when crowds often build. For a quieter experience visit in the mid-afternoon, between 2.00 pm and 6.00 pm, or arrive close to the start of a free hour.
A basic visit to the Reina Sofía (seeing the permanent collection) takes about 1.5 hours. If you plan to see temporary exhibitions, roof terraces, stop for café breaks or browse the shop, allow 2 to 3 hours.
Nearby attractions to combine with Reina Sofía in one day
You can build a full art-and-culture day around Museo Reina Sofía:
- Visit the Museo del Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza, which are part of the same “Art Walk”.
- Go to the Atocha Station for its tropical glass-roofed concourse and botanical garden inside the train shed.
- Walk through the Lavapiés neighbourhood for street art, cafés and local food.
- Relax in Retiro Park if the Retiro venues are open, or use the park for a restful break.
- Enjoy sunset views from the rooftop terrace of Reina Sofía, weather permitting, for city vistas and skyline photography.
Tips for smoother visit to Museo Reina Sofía
- Buy tickets online in advance to avoid long lines—especially for popular temporary exhibitions.
- Enter via the Nouvel Building if you have the ticket already—it tends to have shorter lines.
- Check which exhibitions require timed tickets; some special shows need you to book a specific time slot.
- Carry a light layer—gallery temperatures are kept at around 21 °C for preservation, which can feel cool even in warm weather.
- Leave large bags or bulky items at your hotel; cloakrooms are available but capacity can be limited.
- Arrive at the start of free-admission hours if that’s your plan—but expect more visitors then.
Frequently asked questions about Museo Reina Sofía
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I buy tickets on the same day? | Yes. Tickets are available online and at the ticket offices. But for free-entry hours or special exhibitions, online booking is strongly recommended. |
| Are there discounts or free tickets? | Yes. Under-18s, students, over-65s, cultural volunteers, large families and certain other groups qualify for reduced or free admission. Some public holidays also allow free entry. Bring valid ID or accreditation. |
| Is Museo Reina Sofía accessible? | Yes. The museum provides lifts, accessible restrooms, induction loops, and services for visitors with reduced mobility. Both Sabatini and Nouvel Buildings are connected and accessible. |
| Can I take photos inside Museo Reina Sofía? | Yes. Non-flash photography is allowed, but no tripods, flash, selfie sticks or other camera stands unless otherwise indicated. |
| When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds? | Mid-afternoon on weekdays (2.00 pm-6.00 pm) tends to be less crowded. Early morning is also an option, though many arrive at opening. Free times are busiest. |
| Are there cafés or restaurants at Museo Reina Sofía? | Yes. There are cafés/restaurants inside: NuBel Café-Restaurant, Arzábal, a museum shop and La Central bookstore. Gardens and terraces offer rest spots too. |
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.
