Madrid's Art Walk: Three Museums You Must See in Spain
Madrid has some of the nicest collections of art paintings of the world open to the public. Three
of the world most important museums are within walking distance:
Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and Reina Sofia Museum. Weather in Madrid usually invites to go walking, so you can easily combine the pleasures of walking and visiting museums on a single
day. Madrid is a city very friendly to visitors.
Prado Museum, in Spanish, 'Museo del Prado', hosts the best collection of paintings from Velazquez and Goya, is Spain's main art museum. Don't miss 'El Jardín de las Delicias' from El Bosco, a triptic miniature from the Flemish School. Advance booking of tickets is now possible via website or by phone.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum hosts the Thyssen collections, with almost 1000 paintings from the the thirteenth century to the twentieth century, complements Prado and CARS, with more international focus. This museum is now offering timed tickets for entry every 15 minutes to the exposition on 'German Renaissance'.
Reina Sofia Museum, in Spanish, Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, aka CARS, includes the famous Pablo Picasso's Guernica, symbol of Spanish Civil War, also works from Joan Miro and Salvador Dali, and in general, modern paintings and sculptures. This museum is located at ancient Hospital San Carlos, founded by Philippe II.
Some excellents hotels close to these museums: Palace Hotel and Ritz Hotel. Just cross the street and you are at Prado Museum! From Prado museum, walk 5 minutes to the South, cross the street and you are at Thyssen's museum. Again, walk 5 minutes to the South, and you are almost at CARS.
If at some time you get tired of art museums, just walk to Botanic Garden or Retiro Park, an impressive green surface in the middle of Madrid.
Once you are in Madrid, you will probably enjoy going to the surroundings, typical places are Segovia, with a Roman aqueduct; Avila, with Middle Age city walls; Toledo, the 3 cultures – Jewish, Muslim and Christian – city, with a great cathedral and tortuos old city; Aranjuez, famous for its gardens; El Escorial, site of Philippe II court. All these places are about 1 hour or less from Madrid, by car or train.
Copyright 2006-2008 - Ignacio Garcia del Valle - GVmaps.com
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