Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum

"“El Thyssen,” as locals call it, is the third museum on Madrid’s Art Promenade. Formerly Europe’s largest private collection, it has been the property of the Spanish state since 1992. The permanent collection is comprised of about 1,000 paintings from the 13th to 20th century by artists such as Caravaggio, Rubens, Monet, Van Gogh, Gauguin, etc. If you don’t feel like wandering the museum galleries at random, take one of the thematic tours, like “Fashion,” “Inclusive Love,” “Food,” and more. Keep an eye out for the temporary exhibitions scheduled regularly." - MATADOR_NETWORK

"The collection of works housed in this 18th-century palace represent the lifetime pastime of Swiss collector Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza and his Spanish wife Carmen. While Heinrich and his German father August focused on everything from the Gothic period to major Dutch works of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, Carmen's collection brings in significant Modern American, Expressionist, and Impressionist works, making the museum a wonderful survey of art through the centuries—certainly the most complete in Spain. Though it's now owned by the Spanish state, it still retains the feel of a private family collection with artwork displayed on salmon pink walls, as dictated by Carmen herself."

"Thyssen-Boremisza Museum is one of Madrid’s top museums forming the Art Walk (or Paseo del Arte), which also includes the Prado and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Once you’ve seen the Prado, this should be your next stop—that is, if you’re into art and design. The collection here straddles the line between its two siblings, with galleries chock full of well-known paintings by Dalí, El Greco, Monet, Picasso, Rembrandt, and many others, including a few American names, too. Reserve tickets online and arrive early to avoid any long lines—and avoid Monday afternoons, when the museum swings open its doors for free." - Ramsey Qubein

"Start us off with an overview. The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, once an aristocratic mansion, falls somewhere between the avant-garde works at the Reina Sofia and the traditional Spanish art at the Prado . With an enormous collection of European art from the continent’s most respected masters, the museum is a must-see for anyone. As the third largest museum in the city, it is an easy walk from Madrid’s two other major art hot spots. What's in the permanent collection? Forget the video installations of Reina Sofía; traditionalist work reigns supreme here. Expect recognizable pieces from the likes of Dalí, El Greco, Monet, Picasso, and Rembrandt. Some works date back to the Medieval period; others are from the 20th century. There are even some 19th-century American paintings as well as some interesting modern pop art. How are the temporary exhibits? Rotating exhibitions include a current collection of female portraits by Chechu Álava, an artist from the northern region of Asturias. Coming soon is a retrospective on the work of Surrealist painter René Magritte. How are the crowds? You can’t avoid the crowds, but you can book tickets online and arrive as soon as the museum opens. On Monday afternoons, when admission is free, the crowds swell. How's the space re: accessibility? You’ll find no shortage of benches, elevators, or ramps. The museum loans wheelchairs and makes impressive use of braille and hearing-impaired resources, too. Do you need a guide? Audio guides do the trick in this large museum. Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring, or skip it? Don’t lug home heavy art books when you can browse the gift shop online . Is the café worth a stop, or should we plan on going elsewhere? Savvy locals love the museum's trendy terrace cafe, which serves great gin & tonics. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? Unless you’re the “read-every-sign” type, you can get through this museum in around two hours. That’s especially important if you have tickets to the three major museums that make up Madrid's Paseo del Arte (Art Walk)." - Ramsey Qubein

"The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, once an aristocratic mansion, falls somewhere between the avant-garde works at the Reina Sofia and the traditional Spanish art at the Prado . With an enormous collection of European art from the continent’s most respected masters, the museum is a must-see for anyone. Expect recognizable pieces from the likes of Dalí, El Greco, Monet, Picasso, and Rembrandt. Some works date back to the Medieval period; others are from the 20th century. There are even some 19th-century American paintings as well as interesting modern pop art." - Ramsey Qubein