Madrid is a unique city that blends the typical salero from the Spanish culture with the cosmopolitan environment of the big European cities. Part of Madrid’s charm is present throughout the city, you can see it when you look at the historical buildings, squares, and big gardens.
However, the cultural environment of the Spanish capital is a big reason why tourists all around the world become seduced by Madrid. Capable of enchanting everyone, Madrid’s museums are attractions that can’t be left out of any city tour. Today we share with you the main museums of Madrid and the days with free admission so you can plan your trip in the best way possible.
Museo del Prado
Let’s start with the one that’s surely the most well-known. Museo del Prado has more than 15 thousand art pieces, some of which date back to the 16th century all the way to the 19th century. A few of the authors present are, for instance, El Bosco, Tiziano, El Greco, Rubens, Velázquez or Goya. From Monday to Saturday between 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm, and on Sundays and holidays between 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, you can visit the permanent exhibit for free. For the temporary exhibits, the admission during the last two working hours is reduced by 50%.
Museo Reina Sofía
With its contemporary art exhibit, the Reina Sofía Museum it’s a continuation of the years present in Museo del Prado. It displays art pieces starting from 1881 by authors like Picasso, Dalí and Miró. The admission is free on Sundays between 1:30 pm and 07:00 pm and on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm.
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
Located in the Palácio de Villahermosa, the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum completes the podium of this unapparelled culture trilogy, along with Museo del Prado and Museo Reina Sofía. Its collection composed of about 1.000 works of art was bought from the Thyssen-Bonemisza family by the Spanish government and blends the styles of different authors like Van Gogh, Tiziano, El Greco and Monet. The admission to the permanent exhibit is free every Monday, between 12:00 am and 04:00 pm.
CaixaForum
This cultural centre deserves a spot on our list not only because of its exhibits but also because of its building. Once an electric centre designed by architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre Meuron, the space has an amazing vertical garden and seems to be levitating in the air. The CaixaForum frequently receives exhibitions of old, modern and contemporary art, music festivals and poetry and debates. The admission is free on the 15th of May (San Isidro Day), on the 18th of May (International Museum Day), and on the 09th of November (Nossa Senhora de Almudena day).
Museo del Romanticismo
Of course, we couldn’t miss the Museo del Romanticism, located in the former Marquês de Matallana palace. Between a vast collection of furniture, pianos, porcelain dolls and other decorative objects from the 19th century, here it’s possible to find the works of Goya, Esquivel, Madrazo, Alenza e Bécquer brothers, that recreate the romantic period traditions. The admission is free on Saturdays, from 02:00 pm, on Sundays, and on the 18th of April, the 18th of May, the 12th of October and the 6th of December.
Museo Sorolla
We finish our list with Museo Sorolla, created in honour to the painter Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida, by request of his widow, that donated all her assets in her will to the Spanish government. The space is one of the most complete and well-preserved artist houses in Europe and combines the personal objects and works of Sorolla, a highlight of the space is the garden design by the painter himself. The admissions are free on Saturdays and Sundays, from 02:00 pm and on the 18th of April, the 12th of October and 6th of December.
These are just some of the many attractions that you can visit in Madrid, a city full of surprises that breathes culture, fun and that promises to enchant you with every step. Let yourself be carried away by the adventure, salero and Madrid’s history and feel at home. To discover Madrid like a true local, check out the tuk tuk tours.
