Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art: Top 3 Galleries

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When we met Vasil Vasilev - Zoueka in Altea, Spain, he opened our eyes to many different museums and art galleries here in Spain.

Considering his vision and experience as an actor, artist and painter, we decided to rely on his opinion and guide you through the 3 best museums to visit in Madrid. 

i: Here You can read the full interview with Vasil Vasilev - /Bulgarian artist, actor and painter working in Spain/

 The Prado Museum , or Museo Nacional del Prado, is Madrid's premier art museum and a treasure trove of European masterpieces.

Founded in 1819 , it houses the world's finest collection of Spanish art, with iconic works by Goya , Velázquez and El Greco.

The museum's vast collection spans the 12th to the early 20th centuries, with over 7,600 paintings and thousands of other works of art.

As part of Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art , the Prado offers a profound journey through the history and beauty of art, making it a must for any art lover (and not only).

A visit to the Prado offers a fascinating journey through European art history , from Renaissance masterpieces to the powerful works of Spain's greatest artists. including masterpieces by Francisco Goya , the museum's most represented artist, alongside iconic works by Hieronymus Bosch, El Greco, Peter Paul Rubens, Titian and Diego Velázquez.

Known for his keen eye, Velázquez also played a key role in the acquisition of a significant collection of Italian masters, making it one of  the largest outside Italy .

The museum's collection is vast, with around 7,600 paintings, 8,200 drawings, 4,800 prints and 1,000 sculptures. These works were originally part of the Spanish royal collection and have been shaped by the tastes of Spain's monarchs over the centuries.

Although the Prado is best known for its paintings, it also has impressive sculptures, decorative arts and even a remarkable collection of British paintings .

• Spanish painting until 1800 | Masterpieces: Aesop (Velázquez), Sancho Garcés I Abarca, I King of Navarre and Aragon (Ariosto, Felipe), The Nativity of the Virgin (Garcia de Miranda, Juan)

• Italian and French painting until 1800 | Masterpieces: The Sun. Apollo with the sign of Leo (Facchetti, Pietro), Penitent Magdalene (Bigot, Trophime), The Virgin in meditation (Sassoferatto)

• 19th century painting | Masterpieces: Fisherman casting nets (Velázquez), Ophelia (Rosales Gallinas, Eduardo), Saturn Devouring His Son (Francisco Goya)

Before visiting the Prado Museum, it's important to be well prepared to get the most out of your experience, whether you're going on your own or with a guide.

Based on what we've learned while writing this guide , we've put together a few tips to help you get the most out of your visit . We share them here to help you navigate the museum's vast collection, avoid the crowds and focus on the highlights that interest you most:

I have gathered authentic and relevant reviews  from Google visitors to give you the clearest possible idea of what people are saying about the Prado Museum.

The Prado Museum offers a range of facilities to make your visit more enjoyable.

Start your day at Prado Coffee , ideal for breakfast or brunch, or indulge in gourmet pastries at the Ionian Gallery Tea Room.

The Prado Store is the perfect place to browse catalogues, books and products inspired by the museum's rich collection.

There are also rest areas with benches where you can take a break.

The museum is housed in two buildings, the Jerónimos and Villanueva . For easier navigation, we recommend that you download the  offline visual guide  to the museum before your visit.

Located in the heart of Madrid, the  Reina Sofía Art Museum  is a captivating treasure trove of 20th century and contemporary art.

What really sets the Reina Sofía apart is its unparalleled collection of masterpieces by Spanish legends such as Pablo Picasso ,  Salvador Dalí  and  Joan Miró. 

But the Reina Sofía is more than just a gallery of famous names; it's a dynamic cultural center that has earned its place as the most visited museum in Spain.

Its role as the southern point of Madrid's art triangle , alongside the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums, adds to its appeal and makes it an essential part of any cultural itinerary in the city.

The Reina Sofía Art Museum in Madrid offers an expansive and rich collection that spans from the late 19th century to contemporary art, with a strong focus on Spanish artists and their influence on global art movements.

• Spanish Masters: The museum boasts an impressive collection of works by iconic Spanish artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró and Juan Gris. Picasso's Guernica is the crown jewel of the collection, surrounded by preparatory sketches and historical context that heighten its impact. Dalí's surreal masterpieces and Miró's vibrant abstract works are also must-sees.

• Cubism and Surrealism: The Reina Sofía is a treasure trove for lovers of Cubism and Surrealism, with works by Picasso and Gris as well as international artists such as Georges Braque, Fernand Léger and René Magritte. The museum's collection of Cubist works, enriched by contributions from the Telefónica Foundation, includes important pieces that explore the depth and breadth of the movement.

• International art: The museum also has important works by international artists such as Francis Bacon, Yves Klein and Roy Lichtenstein, providing a broader context for understanding Spain's role in the global art scene. The presence of movements such as Pop Art, Abstract Expressionism and Arte Povera enriches the narrative of 20th century art.

Before exploring the Reina Sofía Museum, it's important to plan your visit in order to maximise your experience , whether you're going on your own or with a guide.

My extensive research has enabled me to compile some invaluable tips to help you make the most of your visit to the museum.

I'm going to run through the opening hours, ticket prices, guided tours, discounts and special offers, and ticket bookings.

These suggestions will help you navigate the vast collection, avoid peak times and focus on the exhibits that interest you most:

Additionally, I've compiled genuine feedback from visitors to the Reina Sofía Museum , offering you more insights into what people appreciate about this iconic institution.

The Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid is divided into four  main buildings: the Sabatini & Nouvel buildings, which serve as the museum's headquarters, and the Crystal  and  Velázquez palaces , which are located in the picturesque Retiro Park.

 The Retiro Park  venues are somewhat separate and offer a tranquil botanical garden setting.

i: Note that the Crystal Palace may close on rainy days or in extreme heat due to its unique structure.

The museum also has an art shop , a large bookshop and two restaurants , one of which hosts DJ sets and live music. 

Do not leave without tasting the delicious Sakura NuBel (candy floss with purple and red fruit ice cream).

Visiting Madrid's art scene without stopping at the   Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum  would be a missed opportunity, especially if you've already visited the Prado and Reina Sofía museums with the Walk Art Pass.

Just a 7-minute walk from the Prado, the Thyssen fills the historical and artistic gaps left by its neighbours, with a unique collection ranging from Italian Primitives to the English, Dutch and German schools, as well as 20th-century European and American art.

As part of Madrid's "Golden Triangle of Art" , the Thyssen is an essential stop for any art lover.

The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum has a fantastic collection that perfectly complements the Prado and Reina Sofía.

Just an amazing art  from the 13th to the 20th century .

The museum is especially known for its impressive Impressionist , Expressionist , and 20th-century American paintings.

Highlights include works by Van Gogh , Monet , and Lichtenstein , making it an essential destination for anyone seeking a comprehensive view of Western art history.

We've gathered the best tips to help you make the most of your time there.

These will guide you through opening times, ticket prices and guided tour information . Also special discounts and tips on booking tickets :

As someone who always checks Google reviews before sharing insights, I've collected authentic feedback from visitors to give you a clear idea of what people are saying about the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.

Housed in the elegant Villahermosa Palace, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is a blend of historic charm and modern design. Originally a bank , the palace was transformed by renowned architect Rafael Moneo into a stunning museum space that retains its royal character.

Expanded in 2004 to include the neighbouring palaces, the museum now offers a seamless blend of history and art. Visitors can also enjoy a café-restaurant with picturesque terrace views, all set in the UNESCO-listed Landscape of Light , making it the perfect place to relax after exploring the art.

For easier navigation, we recommend that you download the  offline visual guide  to the museum before your visit.