Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia (Queen Sofia National Museum Art Centre), Madrid (must see)

A must-visit destination on the Madrid art scene is the Queen Sofía (Reina Sofía) Museum, an expansive exhibition space that serves as the permanent home for the Spanish collection of modern and contemporary art, including the renowned Miró and Picasso legacies. In addition to its impressive collection of 20th-century art, the museum features a theater, cinema, excellent bookshops, a print, music and photographic library, a restaurant, bar, and café located in the basement, as well as a tranquil inner courtyard garden. Informative guidebooks that delve into key works are available for purchase at the shops, although they can be quite expensive. For first-time visitors, audioguides in English can be found at the entrance, providing insightful commentaries.

The museum's permanent collection starts on the second floor, exploring the origins of modern Spanish art, primarily focusing on the artistic movements that emerged in Catalonia and the Basque Country at the end of the 19th century. Moving through Collection 1, the highlight of the Reina Sofía is Picasso's iconic "Guernica", a powerful piece that has always elicited strong reactions. The exhibition also includes notable sections on Cubism, with Picasso being well-represented, as well as the Paris School. Dalí and Miró also make significant contributions in the Surrealism section, showcasing the development of their works and their diverse techniques. The floor is completed with impressive works from Cubist artist Juan Gris and a captivating collection of Spanish sculpture.

On the fourth floor, Collection 2 continues the narrative, covering Spain's post-war years up to 1968 and featuring examples of abstract and avant-garde movements such as Pop Art, Constructivism, and Minimalism. Highlights include Francis Bacon's "Figura Tumbada" (Reclining Figure). Noteworthy sections to explore are the photography during Franco's dictatorship and the works by British artists Henry Moore and Graham Sutherland. Visitors will also find striking pieces by Basque abstract sculptor Chillida and Catalan Surrealist painter Antoni Tàpies.

The state-of-the-art extension known as the Area Nouvel, designed by Jean Nouvel at a cost of 79 million euros, encompasses the third part of the collection, which spans the period 1962-1982. This section focuses on experimental, revolutionary, and feminist art, exploring themes from the final years of the Franco dictatorship to the present day. The new wing also houses temporary exhibition spaces, an auditorium, library, bookshop, and café-restaurant.

Why You Should Visit:
If 20th-century art is your thing, this is an exceptional museum not to be missed; if not, the museum's impressive collection still offers something worthwhile. The inner garden is a pleasant cool oasis, while the top floor has a view deck of Madrid.

Tips:
if you encounter long queues at the main entrance, you can find an alternative entrance at the extension on Ronda de Atocha.
Consider getting an online Paseo del Arte combined ticket, which grants you access to the main three museums and helps save both time and money. If you're looking to visit for free, note that between 7pm and 9pm, Monday through Saturday (except Tuesday), entry is free for visitors who don't fall into the age or student categories eligible for free admission.