The Reina Sofía lies at the southern tip of Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art, just off the Paseo de Prado. Unlike its fellow temples to the arts, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Prado, however, this centre of Spanish contemporary art is not in a purpose-built museum – but in a hospital. The patients are long gone (the hospital closed in 1969), and its 17th century frame has now been transformed into a striking modern art museum. Sharp-cut glass elevators slice up its reworked front façade. Inside, the corridors and open-plan atriums are stalked by the best in contemporary and post-modern art – schools that Spain's 20th century artists had a large hand in shaping.Foremost among these are Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. And the Reina Sofía is home to one of the defining paintings of the last century's conflicts – Picasso's Guernica. More than any other painting, it captures the madness of war. Once displayed all over the world – as a reminder of Spain's Civil War atrocities – it came back to Spain in 1981, when democracy blossomed again, after Franco's death. Guernica arrived at the Reina Sofía in 1992, when its rebuilding was complete, together with the rest of the Prado Museum's modern art collection.There are also a large number of Salvador Dali's surrealist masterpieces housed here, with titles as wonderfully bizarre as his paintings – Geopoliticus Child Watching the Birth of the New Man is one of the loaned pieces, recently exhibited. And then there are fellow Spanish Surrealists like Joan Miró, assorted works by Spain's Abstract, Pop, and Minimalist artists – as well as those of La Movida Madrileña scene of the 1980s.But it's not only Spanish artists on display in the Reina Sofía. Look carefully, and you'll find the distorted nudes of Francis Bacon, the bold sculptural forms of Henry Moore, or even the odd Damien Hirst. A visit to the Reina Sofía undoubtedly leaves you elevated, and looking at the world through a new lens.
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía Tours and Activities
Visit Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Tours & day trips
See all 931 activitiesOpens in new tabDay Tour to Toledo, Segovia & optional visit to Avila. 3 cities in 1 day
Private & custom tours
See all 293 activitiesOpens in new tabMadrid: Private City Tour by Electric Tuk Tuk
Adventure & outdoor
See all 55 activitiesOpens in new tabMadrid: Private City Tour by Electric Tuk Tuk
Shows & concerts
See all 46 activitiesOpens in new tabMadrid: Live Flamenco Show with Food and Drinks Options
Classes & workshops
See all 45 activitiesOpens in new tabSpanish Cooking Class: Paella, Tapas & Sangria in Madrid
Reviews of Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
5/5 - Excellent
A must to see Picasso’s master piece
Popular places to visit
Plaza del Emperador Carlos V
Learn about the local history of Madrid when you spend time at Plaza del Emperador Carlos V. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and shops in this vibrant area.
CaixaForum Madrid
Check out the exhibits on art, music and poetry at this former power station, now a futuristic hub of innovation and art.
Royal Botanical Garden
Relax among the thousands of colorful and aromatic plants meticulously laid out in a garden located alongside Madrid’s busy Paseo del Prado.
Atocha Station Memorial
Learn about the local history of Madrid with a stop at Atocha Station Memorial. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and shops in this vibrant area.
Arte 10 Galeria
You can study the exhibits at Arte 10 Galeria, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Madrid. Discover the acclaimed theatre scene and shops in this vibrant area.
Church of Maria Auxiliadora
Learn about the local history of Madrid when you take a trip to Church of Maria Auxiliadora. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.
Top Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía Hotel & Accommodation Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
- Holidays and getaways similar to Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
- Are there hotels near Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía?
- Hotels near popular Madrid Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends