Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

The Reina Sofía (Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía) is one of the world’s most famous modern and contemporary art museums. It counts works by masters like Picasso and Dalí among its permanent collection and is one of Madrid’s biggest attractions. It covers a period from the late 19th century to the modern era. The majority of works on display are by Spanish artists, though the museum also features a good selection of international art.

Check out the Irruption of the 20th Century galleries to see a selection of works created between 1900 and 1945. They deal with the transition to modernity and the enormous political and social changes occurring at the time. Gaze at paintings by Juan Gris, Georges Braque, Joan Miró and Dalí. For many visitors, however, the highlight is Pablo Picasso’s Guernica.

Move on to Is The War Over? Art in a Divided World for a look at works moving further toward abstraction and existentialism. Topics include the ideological divide after World War II and the rise of consumerism. Admire the paintings and sculptures of Jorge Oteiza, Jean Dubuffet and many other acclaimed artists.

Head over to From Revolt to Postmodernity to find artworks that tackle modern and contemporary themes like gender, globalization, and the nature of art. Here you’ll see works by contemporary Spanish artists like Luis Gordillo and the Zaj Group as well as Latin American art responding to political crises across the continent.

The Reina Sofía is also home to an enormous library and holds regular special exhibitions. Check the website for details and dates. The museum is along Calle de Santa Isabel, near the Atocha metro station. There is a fee for entry to the museum, which is open daily except Tuesdays and national holidays.