Museo Reina Sofía: A Must-See for Contemporary Art Lovers in Madrid
The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is an essential stop on any visit to Madrid. As part of the city's iconic Art Triangle—alongside the Prado Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza—this museum houses one of the most important collections of 20th-century and contemporary art in the world.
A Historic Space with a Modern Touch
The museum's main building was initially constructed as the Hospital of San Carlos, designed by architect José de Hermosilla and completed by Italian architect Francesco Sabatini. A modern expansion came centuries later, in the 21st century, designed by Jean Nouvel, whose striking glass and steel façade surrounds a large central courtyard.
The Permanent Collection: Spanish Modern Art Icons
The Reina Sofía's collection focuses on modern and contemporary art, with a strong emphasis on Spanish artists. You'll find works by Miró, Dalí, Maruja Mallo, and Ángeles Santos—as well as, of course, Picasso, whose legendary Guernica is the museum's centrepiece.
But there's much more to see beyond Guernica. The museum showcases a wide range of masterpieces from Spain's 20th-century avant-garde movements, making it a deep dive into the evolution of modern art.
Temporary Exhibitions & Guided Tours
In addition to its permanent collection, the Reina Sofía regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, often showcasing groundbreaking or experimental work.
You can also take part in guided tours, which last around 1 hour and 30 minutes. These include in-depth analysis of key pieces, such as Guernica, access to the museum's library and documentation centre, and tours tailored for both young people and adults. Advance registration is required with your ticket purchase.
Free Entry Times
The museum is free to visit at certain times:
- Monday, 7 PM – 9 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday, 7 PM – 9 PM
- Sunday, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
It's also free on select holidays, including:
- April 18 (International Day for Monuments and Sites)
- May 18 (International Museum Day)
- October 12 (Hispanic Heritage Day)
- December 6 (Constitution Day)
Opening Hours
- Monday & Wednesday–Saturday: 10 AM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 2:30 PM
- Closed on Tuesdays
Ticket Prices
- General admission: €12
- Dual-entry pass (2 visits): €18
- Discounts available for:
- Students and youth card holders
- Visitors under 18 or over 65
- During free admission hours
You can also buy the Paseo del Arte Pass for €32, which includes access to the Reina Sofía, Prado, and Thyssen museums.
Getting There
If you're driving, there are public parking areas nearby, including Plaza de Juan Goytisolo and Atocha Station.
Using public transport is even easier:
- Metro: Line 1 to Estación del Arte, or Line 3 to Lavapiés
- Bus: Lines 6, 10, 14, 19, 26, 27, 32, 34, 36, 37, 41, 45, 59, 85, 86, 102, 119, C1, C2, E1
- Cercanías (commuter trains): Lines C1, C2, C3, C4, C4a, C4b, C5, C7, C10 to Atocha
This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025.