Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Europe,
Spain,
citta, Madrid,
Retiro
The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum in Madrid is an institution of great importance in the international art scene, positioning itself as one of the three vertices of the famous “Golden Triangle of Art” along with the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum. Founded in 1992 thanks to the acquisition of the private collection of Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza by the Spanish state, the museum offers a comprehensive overview of the evolution of Western painting from the 13th to the 20th century. The palace that houses the museum, located in the heart of the Paseo del Prado, has a fascinating history dating back to the 17th century. Originally owned by various aristocratic families, the site underwent numerous transformations before becoming the museum’s headquarters. Among the most famous owners are the Duke of Lerma and the Count of Villalonga. It was only in the 18th century, under the ownership of the Duchess of Atri, that the palace acquired the neoclassical forms that it still retains today. Baron Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza began collecting works of art in the early 20th century, focusing mainly on ancient masters such as Duccio, Jan van Eyck, and Albrecht Dürer. His son, Hans Heinrich, expanded the collection to include masterpieces of modern and contemporary art, with works by Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Rothko. This combination of ancient and modern makes the Thyssen collection unique, offering visitors a journey through eight centuries of art history. Among the most important pieces in the collection are Domenico Ghirlandaio’s “Portrait of Giovanna Tornabuoni,” a Renaissance work that enchants with its beauty and precision. Another masterpiece is Bernini’s “Saint Sebastian,” a masterful example of Baroque sculpture. The art of the 19th and 20th centuries is represented by icons such as Van Gogh’s “Wheat Field with Cypresses” and Cézanne’s “Les Vessenots,” works that testify to the technical and stylistic innovations of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum organizes numerous temporary exhibitions that explore specific themes or particular artistic movements. Recently, it has hosted exhibitions dedicated to colonial memory in the museum’s collections and the interactions between art and technology, with innovative projects such as the exhibition of digital collectibles.
Read More