Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid

What are the highlights of Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid?

More than 1,600 pieces are in the collection at the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, but some tend to stand out. You can see the portrait of Giovanna Tornabuoni by Ghirlandaio alongside Carpaccio's Knight. You'll see 14th- and 15th-century Italian paintings here, including works by Paolo Uccello, Benozzo Gozzoli and Bernardo Daddi. Of course, you'll also be able to enjoy Flemish and Dutch painters like Robert Campin, Rogier van der Weyden and Jan van Eyck.

The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza collection continues to showcase art from long-ago centuries, though you'll find quite a few examples of more contemporary art from the 20th century as well. That includes works by Jackson Pollock, Salvador Dali and Francis Bacon. Cubist works by Picasso and Juan Gris can be seen here as well, adding even more variety to the collection.

A brief history of the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid

The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza dates back to the 1920s when the collection was started by Heinrich, Baron Thyssen-Bornemisza de Kaszon. While it was a common trend at the time for European paintings to make their way to America, this museum did the opposite, gathering much of its collection from Americans who were looking to sell while coping with the Great Depression.

Initially, the collection that's now in the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza was housed in Lugano at the Thyssen-Bornemisza family estate. It wasn't until 1999 that the current building was built specifically for the museum, though a local government building showed some of the collection as early as 1992. The baroness in charge of the museum, Carmen Cervera, has secured the collection to remain in its current location until at least 2036 after famously hesitating to sign new agreements to keep the collection in Madrid.

What else is good to know about Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid?

Before you make your way to the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, there are a few factors to keep in mind. The museum strives to be what it calls 'everyone's museum', meaning accessibility is one of its primary goals. Visitors with disabilities can enjoy special accommodations to make their visit as easy as possible without having to miss out on anything the museum has to offer.

While you're visiting the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, you may want to check out some other attractions in the area. The Museo Nacional del Prado is located just to the southeast, well within walking distance. Head northeast, and you'll find the Museo Naval. Continuing in that direction, you'll eventually reach the Puerta de Alcala, a massive archway sporting impressive architectural designs. Head due east, and you'll reach the Parque del Retiro after less than a mile, so you can enjoy its numerous walking paths and vibrant greenery.