The Reina Sofia Museum stands as one of the world's most important art institutions and an absolute must-see for any Madrid visitor.
As Spain's national museum of modern and contemporary art, it houses one of the most significant collections of 20th and 21st-century artworks. Here, you'll embark on a captivating journey through Spanish art history and international avant-garde movements.
The Museo Reina Sofia is renowned primarily for Pablo Picasso's monumental work "Guernica" – a masterpiece that powerfully depicts the horrors of war and ranks among the world's most famous paintings.
However, the museum offers much more: you'll discover outstanding works by Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, Juan Gris, and many other giants of modern art. The collection comprises around 25,000 works, with approximately 2,000 displayed in the exhibition halls.
The museum spans two impressive buildings: the historic Edificio Sabatini, an 18th-century former hospital, and the modern extension Edificio Nouvel designed by star architect Jean Nouvel. This architectural fusion of old and new creates a unique atmosphere for your artistic discovery journey.
Particularly fascinating is the chronological presentation of artworks, which allows you to trace the development of modern art from the beginnings of the avant-garde to the present day. You'll wander through halls filled with Cubism, Surrealism, and contemporary installations, experiencing first-hand how the art world revolutionised itself during the 20th century.
With over 3.3 million visitors annually, the Reina Sofia art museum ranks among the ten most visited art museums worldwide – testament to its extraordinary significance in the international art scene.
The absolute highlight of your visit is undoubtedly Picasso's "Guernica", regarded as one of the most significant anti-war paintings in art history. This monumental painting was created in 1937 as a response to the bombing of the Basque town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War.
Particularly fascinating are the displayed preliminary studies and sketches that document the creative process of this masterpiece. Alongside Picasso, you'll encounter an impressive collection of other Spanish avant-garde artists such as Salvador Dalí with his surrealist dreamscapes and Joan Miró with his colourful, abstract compositions.
Opening times
Monday, Wednesday-Saturday: 10:00 AM-9:00 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM-2:30 PM.
Closed Tuesdays.
Opening hours may vary (depending on the season). You can find the latest information on the official website of the Reina Sofia Museum
The museum is closed on certain public holidays or has different opening hours
C. de Sta. Isabel, 52, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Free audio guides and multilingual information available
Photography without flash permitted in most areas






