17/04/2024
A Complete Guide to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid has a fascinating history dating back to the 19th century: located in the heart of the Spanish capital, this museum houses an eclectic and captivating collection spanning from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Named after two of the most influential families in the world of art and private collection internationally, the museum is a must-visit destination for art lovers exploring the Spanish capital.The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum owes its existence to the vision and passion of two great collectors, Heinrich Thyssen and his wife Carmen Cervera. The story begins with Heinrich's private collection, a German industrial magnate, who amassed a vast collection of artistic masterpieces throughout his lifetime. His desire to share these artworks with the world led to the creation of the museum, along with the acquisition of significant collections, including that of the aristocratic Bornemisza family.
Initially housed in a Swiss museum in Lugano, with the marriage of Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza de Kászon and the Spaniard Carmen Cervera, the collection was later transferred to a Madrid palace, thanks in part to a direct agreement with the then-Spanish government, which offered the prestigious Palacio de Villahermosa as its venue, adjacent to the Prado Museum.
Among the most famous works exhibited at the museum are illustrious names such as Van Gogh, Rubens, Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Ghirlandaio, Hopper, Canaletto, and many others. The Thyssen-Bornemisza offers a fascinating journey through the centuries, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in various artistic currents and appreciate the evolution of art over time.
In addition to its permanent collection, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events that further enrich the visitors' experience. These exhibitions often provide a unique opportunity to see artworks lent by other institutions or private collections worldwide, adding a new and dynamic dimension to the museum visit.
On display the museum is hosting a retrospective to a Spanish woman artist, Isabel Quintanilla (1938-2017), one of the key figures of contemporary realism : the ongoing exhibition until 2 June 2024 features around 100 works spanning the artist’s entire career and including her most important paintings and drawings.
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