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Visiting Thyssen Museum | Your complete guide

How to visit the Thyssen Museum

The Thyssen Museum spans over 1,000 works from medieval to modern art across multiple floors. With galleries organized chronologically, the collection can overwhelm first-timers. A clear route, starting with Renaissance and Baroque, then moving to 19th- and 20th-century works, ensures you catch the highlights without rushing.

Navigating your way

The Thyssen Museum houses over 1,000 works across multiple floors and galleries. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to miss masterpieces, but following a structured route ensures a seamless visit.

Enter via the Villahermosa Palace main entrance

👉 The main entrance on Paseo del Prado gives access to tickets, information, and orientation maps. During peak times, staff may direct visitors to temporary side entrances.

Second Floor: Renaissance to Baroque masterpieces

👉 Start here to follow the chronological flow. Highlights include Van Eyck’s Annunciation, Caravaggio’s Saint Catherine, and early Flemish and Italian masters. The galleries are arranged to guide visitors naturally from room to room.

First Floor: 19th-century Romanticism and Impressionism

👉 Move downward to explore landscapes, portraits, and Impressionist works. Look for Degas’ ballerinas and Van Gogh’s vibrant pieces. Signage and numbered rooms help maintain a one-way flow.

Ground Floor: Modernism to pop art

👉 Finish on the ground floor with 20th-century works, including Hopper, Kandinsky, and Lichtenstein. Temporary exhibitions are often here, so check maps or the official app to integrate them into your visit.

Optional add-ons: Sculpture, decorative arts, and the café

👉 Near the entrance, small rooms feature decorative arts and sculptures, quick detours that don’t interrupt the main flow. The café on the ground floor provides a serene break overlooking the Prado Boulevard.

Use tools for orientation

👉 The Thyssen Museum map and official app highlight gallery numbers, current exhibitions, and suggested one-way routes. Following them minimizes backtracking and ensures you cover all must-see pieces.

Discover Thyssen’s Masterpieces with a guided tour

Don’t let the museum’s 1,000+ artworks overwhelm you! See the highlights efficiently with a local expert. A guided tour brings each masterpiece to life, ensures the best route through the galleries, and saves you time.

Book your guided tour now

How to make the most of your time

Visit typeDurationRouteWhat you get

Snapshot visit

2–3 hours

Entrance → Second Floor Renaissance & Baroque → First Floor Impressionists → Ground Floor Modernism

A quick, curated journey through Thyssen’s best works, perfect for first-timers who want to see iconic masterpieces without feeling rushed

Deeper dive

3–4 hours

Entrance → Second Floor Renaissance & Baroque → First Floor Romanticism & Impressionism → Ground Floor Modernism → Special Exhibitions

A structured tour covering the highlights and hidden gems, giving context and variety across centuries of art

Immersive experience

5+ hours

Entrance → Second Floor Renaissance & Baroque → First Floor 19th-Century Highlights → Ground Floor Modernism → Sculpture & Decorative Arts → Temporary Exhibitions → Café Break

The most complete Thyssen experience in one visit, letting you explore masterpieces, decorative arts, and special exhibits in depth, with time to savor every floor

Handy tips

  • Book timed tickets early. Queues for same-day entry can hit 45–60 mins, especially on weekends and holidays.
  • Begin on the 2nd floor and work down; it follows the museum’s chronological layout and avoids backtracking crowds.
  • Visit midweek mornings, Tue–Thu, before 11am, see the fewest tour groups; galleries feel almost private.
  • Check rotating exhibits. Temporary shows often open on the ground floor; include them early before fatigue sets in.
  • Use the app map. Room numbers aren’t linear; the official app keeps you on the chronological path.
  • Avoid the free Monday rush. Entry after 12pm is free but chaotic; expect 60–90 min waits.
  • Plan your exit as the cloakroom queue near closing, adds 15+ mins. Collect belongings 20 mins before.

Explore Thyssen Museum

Inside Madrid’s Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, each floor unfolds like a chapter in the story of Western art, from medieval devotion to modern rebellion. The galleries are arranged chronologically, guiding you effortlessly through 800 years of creativity, color, and change.

Old Masters Gallery

A journey through centuries of European art from the devotional intensity of the Renaissance to the drama of the Baroque. These rooms capture evolving styles, faith, and technique across eras.

What to look out for

  • Caravaggio’s Saint Catherine of Alexandria: A striking blend of realism and emotion that revolutionized religious painting.
  • Hans Holbein’s Portrait of Henry VIII: The defining image of Tudor power and personality.
  • Dürer’s Jesus Among the Doctors: Early mastery of perspective and expression by Germany’s greatest Renaissance artist.

19th-Century Masters

Romantic landscapes, Impressionist color, and modern moods fill these galleries. The section bridges classical art with new ideas of light and emotion.

What to look out for

  • Van Gogh’s Les Vessenots in Auvers: A poignant countryside painted just weeks before the artist’s death.
  • Monet’s Charing Cross Bridge: The Thames reimagined in shifting light and mist.
  • Degas’ Swaying Dancer: A masterclass in movement and poise from backstage Paris.

Modern & Contemporary Collection

A bold leap into 20th-century creativity—Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism redefine how we see art.

What to look out for

  • Picasso’s Harlequin with a Mirror: A personal, haunting reflection of the artist’s dual identity.
  • Rothko’s Red, Orange, Tan, and Purple: Color and emotion distilled into pure form.
  • Kandinsky’s Painting with Green Center: A vivid exploration of rhythm, color, and abstraction.

Temporary Exhibitions

Rotating shows that connect past and present, highlighting both celebrated masters and contemporary dialogues. Each exhibition offers fresh perspectives, making every visit unique and insightful.

What to look out for

  • Impressionist Retrospective: A carefully curated selection showing the evolution of light and brushwork.
  • Modernist Dialogues: Iconic pieces juxtaposed with contemporary interpretations to reveal new artistic conversations.
  • Thematic Curations: Specially arranged works exploring movements, subjects, or styles across centuries.

Carmen Thyssen Collection

A focused collection showcasing 19th-century Spanish painting, celebrating regional identity, landscapes, and portraiture. The rooms emphasize color, emotion, and historical context, providing a rich, immersive experience.

What to look out for

  • Sorolla’s Gardens at Valencia: Sunlit outdoor scenes capturing Spanish light and leisure.
  • Madrazo’s Portrait of a Young Woman: Elegant depiction of aristocratic poise and costume.

Cabral Bejarano’s Andalusian Landscape: Vibrant brushwork conveying local culture and scenery.

Before you get there

Collections

👉Preview Thyssen’s masterpieces to plan the highlights you don’t want to miss.

Timings

👉See peak hours, closures, and best entry windows for smoother visits.

Guided tours

👉Book priority entry or expert tours to avoid long queues.

Directions

👉Find the fastest metro, bus, or walking routes to the museum.

Restaurants

👉Discover cafés and nearby dining options to recharge during your visit.

Art Walk Museum Pass

👉Combine Thyssen, Prado, and Reina Sofía access for one seamless day.

Book Thyssen Museum tickets 

  • Standard entry: Gives full access to all permanent galleries and current exhibitions. On-site ticket buyers can face 30–60 minute waits during peak hours. This is the baseline option for visitors comfortable navigating the museum independently.
  • Guided tours: Combine skip-the-line access with expert commentary. Guides highlight must-see works, explain historical context, and provide a richer experience for first-time visitors. Ideal if you want structured navigation and insight without wandering.
  • Art Walk Pass: Includes entry to Thyssen, Prado, and Reina Sofía in one day. Saves planning multiple tickets and is best for visitors aiming to explore Madrid’s core art triangle efficiently. On-site lines can exceed 60 minutes; online timed entry ensures smooth access.
  • Combo ticket: Perfect for visitors who want both art and a city overview. Combines skip-the-line museum entry with a panoramic hop-on-hop-off bus tour—ideal if you have limited days and want to maximize sightseeing.

See the ticket comparison table below to match your visit style, budget, and timing needs.

Ticket comparison table

Ticket typeWhat’s includedBest forPrice range

Entry ticket

Full access to permanent galleries & current exhibitions

Basic access, self-guided

From €14

Guided tour (1.5 hrs)

Expert commentary + skip-the-line access

Avoid queues, maximize time inside

From €39

Art Walk Pass

Thyssen + Prado + Reina Sofía entry

Explore Madrid’s art triangle efficiently

From €38

Combo ticket

Thyssen, Prado & Reina Sofía entry + 1 or 2-day bus tour

Art + city overview in one

From €60

Thyssen Museum timings & best time to visit

DayTimingsLast entry

Monday

12pm – 4pm

3pm

Tuesday to Sunday

10am – 7pm

6pm

Best time to visit

Weekday vs weekend

Weekdays, especially Tuesday to Friday, are ideal for visiting Thyssen. Mornings just after opening (10am) or late afternoons after 5pm are generally quieter. Weekends attract larger crowds, particularly late mornings and early afternoons, so plan accordingly to avoid congestion.

Peak Season vs low season

The museum sees peak visitor numbers from April to October, coinciding with spring–summer tourism and school holidays. November to March is comparatively quieter, offering a more relaxed pace to explore galleries and temporary exhibitions. Cooler weather makes indoor visits comfortable year-round.

*For the smoothest experience, aim to arrive at opening or late afternoon during off-peak months. See full timings here ➜

Where is the Thyssen Museum located?

The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is located in Madrid’s iconic Paseo del Prado, close to the Retiro Park and the Prado Museum.

Address: Paseo del Prado, 8, 28014 Madrid, Spain | Find on Maps

Closest Landmark: Prado Museum, 250 m away | Find on Maps

How to get there

  • From: Sol
  • Take Line 1 (Blue Line) from Sol to Atocha.
  • Walk 8 minutes along Paseo del Prado to reach the Thyssen Museum.
  • Alternative stations: Banco de España (Line 2) – 5-minute walk; Sevilla (Line 2) – 10-minute walk.
  • Duration: 10–15 minutes total.
Getting to Thyssen Museum made easy
  • From: Sol
  • Catch bus lines 27, 34, 45, 53, 150 at Sol.
  • Stop at Plaza del Emperador Carlos V, then walk 5–7 minutes along Paseo del Prado to the Thyssen Museum.
  • Other nearby stops: Cibeles – 6-minute walk, Prado – 4-minute walk.
  • Duration: 10–20 minutes total.

Take M-30 / A-3 toward central Madrid, following signs for Paseo del Prado / Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza.

The museum does not have on-site parking, but nearby garages include:

Entrances

Entrance nameLocationWho it is forCrowds & wait times

Main entrance

Paseo del Prado, front of the museum

General visitors, standard tickets

Usually the busiest; queues 15–30 mins during peak hours

Guided tour entrance

Right side of the museum, near the ticket office

Guided tours, priority access

Shorter waits; often less than 10 mins

Group/school entrance

Left side, dedicated side door

Groups, school trips

Reserved access; minimal wait, controlled entry

VIP/member entrance

Museum membership desk, Paseo del Prado side

Members, VIPs

Fastest entry, often immediate access, especially off-peak

Facilities

  • 🎧 Audio guides: Available in Spanish, English, and French; rental at the main hall.
  • 🎒 Cloakrooms: Free service near the entrance for coats, bags, and umbrellas.
  • 🚻 Restrooms: Located on each floor, including accessible toilets for visitors with reduced mobility.
  • 🛍️ Gift shop: Near the exit; books, souvenirs, and art replicas available.
  • 🍴 Café: Ground floor; offers light meals, coffee, and refreshments.
  • ♿ Accessibility services: Wheelchair rental and ramps available throughout the museum.
  • 🧴 Baby facilities: Changing tables and family restrooms on the ground floor.

Accessibility

General facilities

  • Free admission for visitors with disabilities plus one companion (ID required).
  • Priority access at the main entrance reduces queue time by 10–20 minutes.
  • Elevators & ramps connect all floors; the main lift is located near the ticket hall.
  • Assistance requests are handled at the Help Desk or via advance booking form.

Physical disabilities

  • Wheelchair rental: 5 manual wheelchairs available at the Help Desk.
  • Wide corridors & ramps: Smooth pathways throughout all galleries.
  • Adapted restrooms: Located on each floor, fully accessible.

Hearing impairments

  • Hearing loops: Installed at ticket counters and main exhibition halls.
  • Audio guides & headsets: Compatible with hearing loops; available in multiple languages.

Visual impairments

  • Guided escort service: From metro/parking to main entrance.
  • Tactile maps & descriptive tours: Staff assistance provided on request.
  • Braille labels: On selected artworks and exhibits.

Visiting with family

  • Baby changing stations are available beside restrooms on every floor.
  • Strollers are allowed inside galleries; storage is available near the cloakroom.
  • The museum café offers highchairs and kid-friendly meal options.
  • Family rest areas with seating and water stations are located near the main hall.
  • Shorter, themed routes are suggested for families with younger children to explore art highlights without long walks.

Rules and restrictions 

  • Entry is permitted only with a valid dated ticket; all visitors pass through security screening.
  • Large bags, umbrellas, and backpacks must be deposited in the cloakroom before entry.
  • Photography is allowed without flash; tripods, selfie sticks, and professional equipment are prohibited.
  • Food and drinks are not allowed inside the galleries; use the designated café or rest areas.
  • Touching artworks, frames, or display cases is strictly prohibited.
  • Smoking and vaping are banned throughout the museum and courtyard.
  • Re-entry is not permitted once you exit the museum.
  • Animals are not allowed, except certified assistance dogs.
  • Visitors must follow staff instructions and remain within public-access areas.

Dress code

The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza does not enforce a strict dress code, but visitors are expected to dress appropriately for a cultural institution. Comfortable footwear is recommended, as exploring the museum involves extended walking across multiple floors.

Light, breathable clothing is ideal during summer, while a jacket or wrap is useful in cooler months, as the galleries are air-conditioned. Hats and sunglasses should be removed indoors, particularly inside exhibition halls.

Visitors with large coats or umbrellas must store them in the cloakroom. There are no facilities to rent or purchase clothing or cover-ups on-site.

Where to shop

Thyssen Museum Shop (Main Hall, Ground Floor): The museum’s main boutique offers a curated selection of art books, exhibition catalogues, and exclusive reproductions of masterpieces from the Thyssen collection. You’ll also find themed stationery, jewelry inspired by famous works, and unique souvenirs reflecting both classical and modern art.

Opening hours: Daily from 10am to 7pm (extended until 9 pm on Saturdays)

Where to eat

  • Las Terrazas del Thyssen (Main Terrace): A Mediterranean restaurant offering modern Spanish dishes, fresh salads, and seasonal specials. 
  • El Paraguas: Elegant, upscale restaurant known for refined Asturian and Spanish cuisine. Expect standout seafood dishes, rich stews, and an extensive beverage list. 
  • Casa Dani: A local favorite inside Mercado de la Paz, Casa Dani is famous for its hearty Spanish omelets and traditional Madrid-style meals. 
  • Flavia Madrid: Trendy Italian restaurant with a relaxed terrace and elegant interiors. Serves wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and light desserts.

Where to stay

Located in Madrid’s Paseo del Prado area, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum sits in one of the city’s most elegant and central neighborhoods, the Art Walk (Triángulo del Arte). It’s a safe, walkable district packed with cultural landmarks, cafés, and boutique shops. Staying nearby is ideal for visitors who want to explore Madrid’s art museums, Retiro Park, and historic city center on foot.

Recommended places to stay near the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum:

  • Luxury – The Westin Palace Madrid (3-min walk): A grand 5-star hotel opposite the museum, known for its historic stained-glass dome and refined rooms. Perfect for art lovers and first-time visitors. 👉 View on Google Maps
  • Boutique – Hotel Urban Madrid (7-min walk): Contemporary design meets comfort at this chic 5-star boutique hotel featuring a rooftop pool and sleek modern interiors. Great for couples or solo travelers. 👉 View on Google Maps
  • Mid-range – Hotel Catalonia Las Cortes (8-min walk): Set in an 18th-century building, this stylish yet affordable option includes spacious rooms and complimentary snacks throughout the day. 👉 View on Google Maps
  • Budget – Hostal Oriente Madrid (15-min metro ride): Located near Opera station, this friendly, budget-friendly stay offers clean rooms and excellent access to Madrid’s old town and attractions. 👉 View on Google Maps

Frequently asked questions about visiting the Thyssen Museum

Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the permanent collection. Add an extra hour for temporary exhibitions or guided tours.