Top 5: Museums in Madrid

Madrid, Spain’s capital, is known for its rich cultural heritage. Discover the city’s history through its spectacular museums.

Museo Arqueológico Nacional

Spain’s national archaeological museum includes prehistoric, Egyptian, Celtic, Iberian, Greek, Roman, Visigothic, Islamic, Spanish and Christian artifacts. The museum is closed on Monday. Admission costs about $3.50, with free admission on Saturday after 2 p.m. and on Sunday morning.

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is Spain’s national museum of 20^th-century art. The museum is primarily dedicated to Spanish art, with special collections from the works of Picasso and Dalí.

Museo Nacional del Prado

The museum is home to an impressive collection of European art, dating as early as the 12^th century, with a special focus on Spanish art. Open daily, the museum offers free admission Monday–Saturday, 6–8 p.m., and Sunday, 5–7 p.m.

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

Also known simply as the Thyssen, the art museum includes a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits. Expect to find works from artists including Monet, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Mondrian. Regular admission costs about $14. 

Naval Museum of Madrid

The Naval Museum of Madrid highlights the naval history of Spain. Collections cover the 15^th century through the present and include navigation instruments, weapons, maps and paintings. The earliest preserved map of the Americas is housed here.