Location: Paseo del Prado
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The 6 Best Specialty Museums in Paseo del Prado, Community of Madrid
So many of Madrid’s buildings look like castles, you’ll think you’ve stumbled into a fairytale. Even City Hall is astounding, with its white pinnacles and neo-Gothic features. A self-guided architecture tour can begin by the great bear statue in the central Puerta del Sol. Wander by the fanciful Royal Palace before absorbing the natural beauty of Retiro Park, then visit one of the city’s many museums. You could happily cap off each day by nibbling on forkfuls of paella while sipping Spanish rioja.
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1. Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16,537 reviews
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum offers visitors an overview of art from the 13th century to the late 20th century. In the nearly one thousand works on display, visitors can contemplate the major periods and pictorial schools of western art such as the Renaissance, Mannerism, the Baroque, Rococo, Romanticism and the art of the 19th and 20th centuries up to Pop Art. The museum also features works from some movements not represented in state-owned collections, such as Impressionism, Fauvism, German Expressionism and the experimental avant-garde movements of the early 20th century. In addition, it boasts an important collection of 19th-century American painting not found in any other European museum institutions. Permanent collection hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10.00 to 19.00 Monday: 12.00 - 16.00* *Free entry with the sponsorship of Mastercard.
Reviewed By barryb487
On a prior visit to Madrid, I'd toured the Prado and Reina Sofia, both of which are excellent and well reputed museums. However, the "Thyssen" proved to be my favorite art museum in Madrid for two reasons: 1) The quality of the private collection housed here is superb; and 2) The galleries within the museum are ideal for displaying the collection, light, bright, fresh...a truly pleasant experience. As an inveterate international traveler who also loves art, this was a welcome respite from many larger and somewhat overwhelming museums.
2. Naval Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,830 reviews
** This place is temporarily closed**The Madrid Naval Museum is a State institution which belongs to the Ministry of Defense. The Museum is under the organic command of the Admiral Chief of Naval Staff and is governed by a Board of Trustees (Real Patronato). The Naval Museum is a living institution opened to the public. Its curators not only study, look after, exhibit and acquire new objects, but use it as an instrument of communication, education and dissemination of the maritime history of Spain and its traditions. The following are some of the research fields: History of the Spanish Navy Naval shipbuilding Nautical science and auxiliary sciences like cosmography, cartography and nautical instruments. History of maritime voyages and discoveries. Underwater archaeology Maritime heritage
Reviewed By dicod712 - Oslos, Denmark
What a fantastic and interesting museum depicting Spain's history as the supreme naval power . Not huge like some of Madrid other world class museums. Alot more manageable.
3. Caixa Forum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,995 reviews
A postmodern art gallery, it also exhibits retrospectives of artists from earlier time periods.
Reviewed By terryo493
Whenever we're in Madrid, we always make a stop at CaixaForum. There's always something worth seeing there, and some of the exhibits are truly world class. The building is fantastic, outside there's a terrific vertical garden, a nice plaza, easy walk to Prado and Botanical Garden. So it's easy to work into your day. And the exhibits are curated in a stimulating way. Highly Recommended as a stop during your travels in Madrid.
4. Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 150 reviews
A popular museum dedicated to what is sometimes known as the "lesser arts:" furniture, rugs and glassware.
Reviewed By 598marisap - Dallas, United States
This is a great museum close to El Retiro Park. It is free on Thursdays in the afternoon. It has a great permanent exhibition on decorative house items such as cookware, desks, kitchens bedrooms from different time periods. I really love the nativity scene from Italy, a piece from the 18th century, and also one of the kitchens from the 19th century.
5. Fundacion ICO
6. Van Gogh Alive - The experience
Overall Ratings
2.0 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By Cumbriafamily - Cumbria, United Kingdom
A fantastic exhibition. We were unsure what to expect but found the whole display creative and full of insight. Total immersion in the art work and Van Gogh’s life. Would really recommend it. Take a seat if you can and let the exhibition move around you. Instructions in English would have helped us.
