Museums in Madrid

Having been to both multiple times, I’d say that for the Reina Sofia, the only “must see” is Picasso’s Guernica. That is a very large, black-and-white, stunningly impactful painting on the horrors and effects of war. It’s really the only work that draws a crowd. The rest is modern art installations, many that are temporary, which can be interesting (or not so much), but if you’re not big museum people, I doubt you’d spend even two hours, let alone 5 or 6.

The Prado is immense, with an enormous collection of fabulous, priceless paintings. Temporary exhibits there have been worthwhile, too, if you’re interested. But it can be overwhelming, if you want to spend time and energy to see a much.

Madrid has a third recommended museum, and if the Reina Sofia is too limited for you, and the Prado too big, I highly suggest considering the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. It has a wonderful, relatively compact physical space, but outstanding art pieces. I was surprised how great it was for a smaller museum, and you’d get a lot of art value for less of an investment of time and energy than the Prado requires.

3 nights in Madrid is 2 full days. Even if you have part days at each end, you do not have enough time. Yes, the Prado is a world class museum. We spent a complete day from opening to closing and plan on another day there on the trip coming up. Even their cafe food is good. The Reina Sofia is modern art - recommend only "Guernica" and some Dali paintings in the next room. The Thyssen is worth 2 - 3 hours. BUT, you don't have that time. Toledo is a worthwhile day trip and the Cathedral is Spain's second grandest. Haven't been to Segovia yet but I'm sure it is a great visit. In Madrid the Royal Palace tour, Plaza Mayor, Gran Via road, etc, etc, - you can spend all of your time in Madrid enjoying every minute. Set your priorities and plan a longer stay next time. P.S., just about any city in Europe has museums and cathedrals that are "must sees." You maybe missed a bunch in Rome and Nederlands.

If I could only go back to one museum in Europe it would be the Prado. (Sorry Louvre). About the Prado... The Hapsburg Emperors collected everything from their dominions in the 15th, 16th and 17th Centuries that wasn't' tied down. The Prado has better collections IMHO of Northern European art from these centuries than anywhere in Northern Europe. So go to Spain to see the best German and Flemish art... And watch the RS show on Toledo- A really great place to spend a day with fantastic small venues to see paintings in-situ. It also has a bigger cathedral than Madrid.

My wife and I visited a few museums in Madrid in Sep 2023 during a 3 night stay. The English Guided Tour at the Prado was exceptional. More info is in our trip report (part 6): https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/trip-report-spain-aug-sep-seville-ronda-granada-cordoba-madrid

Yeah, if you did one museum, It would be the Prado. It ranks right up there with the Rijksmuseum, roughly the same time period, though the Prado is firmly paintings and sculptures, with obviously a bent towards Spanish artists. If you really enjoyed some of the "non-painting" collections at the Rijksmuseum, the Prado does not have as much of that.

My favorite museums in Madrid:

1. Prado
2. Thyssen-Bornemisza
3. Reina Sofía
4. MAN Archeology Museum
5. Naval Museum
6. Cerralbo
7. Romanticism Museum
8. Museum of America
9. Sorolla

I think those are all worth going to, especially the top 5, but it's all about your taste. Go to what looks interesting to you. The Thyssen really has a wide collection in terms of eras of art so you're going to find stuff you like no matter what. The Prado has some of the greatest works of art in history and it's considered one of the finest art museums on the planet. Reina Sofia is modern art so great if you like modern art.

Less visited but I personally recommend the Archeology and Naval Museums. You don't need to block out a ton of time for either but they have some spectacular exhibits. You can easily see the Naval Museum after the Prado, and it's free admission.

Madrid is also one of the greatest cities on earth, so it's fine to miss a famous museum because you'll want to return soon anyway.

Nothing is a "must-see." Do and see what interests you.

I’ll echo Lane’s comment. It’s not a must see if you have no interest in it.

If you would only visit a museum (Prado or Reina Sofía) for an hour or so, visit during the free hours to save some money.

I’d much rather spend my time visiting Toledo and Segovia than visiting any museum.

I agree with all of the above, primarily, nothing is a "must-see" unless you want to see it.

Me and my spouse love art museums, and we enjoy Madrid for its art museums (and the food). I would probably recommend the Prado if you only want to go to one museum, but because it is huge, go to the website first and decide what appeals to you. Yes, because Spain was a major empire in the past, they have lots of art from other places. They have the largest and most comprehensive collection by Hieronymus Bosch; he's not to everyone's taste, but I love his works.

Though also, Picasso's Guernica is so impactful, I might suggest a short visit to see that, as well. Look up the history of the piece, and see what you think.

My opinion is no museum is a must see if you’re not interested in the collection, the special exhibitions, the period or anything else about what’s on display. Over the years I’ve honed my selection of museums to spend time in starting with recommendations from guidebooks but then going to the museums website to see what’s included in their permanent collection, anything that might be out on loan from their permanent collection and any special exhibitions. Special exhibitions can be of particular value if the topic is of interest skipping the permanent collection. For example last year a museum in Den Haag had an exhibition on the history of dessert. Super interesting with incredible pieces. The film museum in Amsterdam doesn’t come up as a must see but my husband is a cinefile so it was well worth the visit. Bottom line what’s of interest to you. Spend your time and money there. Use the museum websites to gut check if you would like to see the work in person. Museums you’re on the fence about are a good option for rainy days and really hot weather.

I haven't been to the Rijksmuseum for decades. The Vatican Museum's collections are eclectic, you can pick and choose for a multitude of periods, genres and mediums with just about everything represented. The Prado is almost entirely European painting up to the mid-1800's. The Thiesen pretty much picks up from there and includes some wonderful impressionists.

There's nothing wrong with enjoying a few hours in the city doing non-museum things sandwiched with your day trips. I haven't been to Segovia. I loved Toledo - just be prepared for San Francisco-steep hills.

I highly recommend the 90-minute tour you can book directly through the Prado. It’s one of the best museum experiences I’ve ever had. Then you can explore more if you wish, or leave if you’ve had enough. We had a quick lunch and explored a bit more, then returned for 2 more hours later in the trip.

Guernica at the Reina Sophia was very powerful. Even if that’s all you see, it’s worth the visit. And I’m not generally a big Picasso fan.

We like museums, but we tend to limit to 1.5 to 2.5 hours even in the large ones by planning ahead and visiting our priorities first.

I highly suggest considering the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. It has a
wonderful, relatively compact physical space, but outstanding art
pieces. I was surprised how great it was for a smaller museum, and
you’d get a lot of art value for less of an investment of time and
energy than the Prado requires.

^Ditto this comment. The Prado definitely merits a guide (I was on a RS tour) but the Thyssen-Bornemisza was manageable and interesting without one. The only painting at Reina Sofia I wanted to see was the Picasso, so I went during one of the museum's free opening times, went directly to the painting to view, and then left. I noticed they have expanded the free entry times since I visited (but now you need a timed entry ticket even for free times); https://www.museoreinasofia.es/en/visit

I agree with the positive things that have been said about the Prado and Reina Sofia.

I want to note my interest in the Museum of the Americas. It's a small but well presented collection of artifacts and technology that tell the story of Spain's navigational prowess in the 17th and 18th centuries. Excellent.

There is also a small Egyptian temple (Temple of Debod) not far from the Americas museum that was relocated from a port on the Nile. I haven't seen Egypt yet, so it peaked my interest. It can be a quick visit.

I enjoyed the Prado(didn't go to Reina Sofia), but I love art. You might enjoy the Royal Palace more. Since I love Renaissance art, I did not find the Prado as enjoyable as the Vatican Museums, the Uffizi, and Museo San Marco.