Visit the Reina Sofía Museum
in Madrid
- Closed on Tuesdays
- Open until 9:00 PM
- View current availability
- Ticket delivered immediately after validation
- Mobile ticket accepted
- Non-refundable ticket under the listed conditions
In the heart of the Golden Triangle, the Reina Sofía Museum crystallizes the historical tension of 20th-century Spain. Jean Nouvel's hybrid architecture and San Carlos' hospital heritage frame a major collection. Guernica reigns as the absolute master.
Ticket options
Prices and conditions
Current and upcoming temporary exhibitions
Andrea Canepa: Fardo
January 26, 2026 - January 1, 2027
Andrea Canepa's work combines art, sociology, history, and anthropology. It looks at how different systems shape your view of the world.
Eli Cortiñas: The Machine Dreams of Smoke
September 23, 2026 - March 8, 2027
Visit the Museo Reina Sofía to see Eli Cortiñas' video-graphic work, _The Most Given of Givens_, from 2016. This exhibition is an update on Cortiñas' ten years of research.
Museo Reina Sofía: Skip The Line Ticket
From 12 €.
Discover modern masterpieces and explore thought-provoking exhibits in Madrid.
Museo Reina Sofía: Entry Ticket + Audio Guide
From 23,99 €.
Contemplate Picasso's Guernica and view Dalí's creations.
Museo Reina Sofía: Skip The Line Entry Ticket + Audio Guide
From 30 €.
View masterpieces by Picasso and Dalí and explore contemporary art.
Museo Reina Sofía: Skip The Line Ticket + Guided Tour
From 35 €.
Take a guided tour through 20th-century art at Museo Reina Sofía.
Museo Reina Sofía: Guided Tour
From 38,50 €.
See famous artwork and attend cultural activities.
What visitors say
Thousands of visitors have already booked their visit: reviews and testimonials
★ 4.6/5 · 12 reviews collected directly from visitors and moderated by Visit Tickets
"The Guernica is an absolute emotional shock. We used the skip-the-line ticket to avoid the crowds during peak hours. Jean Nouvel's extension provides a remarkable architectural setting for appreciating contemporary art."
"A wonderful discovery with the kids. The guided tour was fascinating, but we would have liked more free time in front of Dalí’s works. The Estación del Arte metro station makes access very easy from central Madrid."
"I visited during a temporary exhibition on Eli Cortiñas. The works are fascinating and little known to the general public. Allow at least 3 hours so you don’t have to rush. The internal café offers a welcome break before continuing."
"The permanent collection is immense, but the queue for the free Sunday entry exceeded an hour. A real test of patience. Fortunately, the interior is majestic and the golden triangle justifies the logistical effort."
"As a solo visitor, I loved wandering without constraints. The recommended chronological route is ideal for understanding the evolution of Spanish art in the 20th century. The former San Carlos hospital converted into a museum is a place full of history."
"We were a group of friends. Flash-free photography is allowed almost everywhere, except in the Guernica room. You need to stay discreet! The €12 price seems high, but the quality of the explanations is well worth it."
"The Manolo Millares exhibition impressed me with its abstract power. It is a perfect complement to the neighboring Prado. Don’t forget that free time slots often generate endless queues, so book in advance if possible."
"An essential experience. The contrast between the modern architecture of the extension and the historical walls is striking. We saw María Gimeno’s performance, an unexpected theatrical moment that was intellectually rich."
"There were many people around the Guernica, making it difficult to get close to the artwork. But the diversity of contemporary exhibitions more than compensates for this. The Atocha district offers good options for lunch after the visit."
"As seniors, we appreciated the relaxed pace. The reception is excellent and the bilingual staff helps a lot. The film A veces me entra tristeza shown in the cinema cycle gave us chills."
"I would have liked more clarity regarding the opening hours of the temporary rooms. I missed the end of the Rojas exhibition due to a lack of precise information. Despite this, the richness of the permanent collections remains exceptional."
"The entrance ticket + audio guide is a must. It perfectly contextualizes the historical tensions of 20th-century Spain. As you leave, you better understand why this museum is the beating heart of Madrid’s modern art."
Practical info
Everything you need to plan your visit
Address
28012 Madrid, Spain
Comunidad de Madrid
Atocha District · Metro: Estación del Arte (L1, L10) or Atocha (L1, L10, direct exit).
Opening Hours
Wed - Sat : 10:00 - 21:00
Sun : 10:00 - 14:30
Closed on Tuesdays. Open Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, last admission at 8:30 PM.
Fees
Museo Reina Sofía: Entry Ticket + Audio Guide : From 23,99 €
Museo Reina Sofía: Skip The Line Entry Ticket + Audio Guide : From 30 €
Museo Reina Sofía: Skip The Line Ticket + Guided Tour : From 35 €
Museo Reina Sofía: Guided Tour : From 38,50 €
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Adult fee: €12. Free for under 18s. .
Visit Duration
Photos
Audience
Accessibility
PMR
Full wheelchair access with elevators and ramps throughout all buildings.
Family
Family-friendly, although the artistic content requires a certain level of maturity.
Audio guide
French, English, Spanish
Weather in Madrid
Current conditions and forecast to plan your visit
Discover Reina Sofía Museum
The pinnacle of contemporary Spanish art
A major institution bridging hospital heritage and architectural modernism
1992
Permanent opening
20 000+
Works on display
1.6 M
Visitors (2025)
60 %
Added surface area (New)
The Reina Sofía Museum houses over 20,000 works covering the period from 1900 to today. Definitively inaugurated on September 10, 1992, it forms the Madrid Golden Triangle with the Prado and Thyssen. Its record attendance exceeds one million visitors annually, reaching 1.6 million in 2025.
History and architecture of the museum
The main building is the former San Carlos Hospital, built under Charles III at the end of the 18th century by José de Hermosilla and then Francesco Sabatini. This historic structure was transformed starting in 1980 to house modern art. The building retains its hospital soul while serving as a frame for Spain's national collections.
The extension designed by French architect Jean Nouvel was inaugurated in 2005. This ambitious project increased the museum's total surface area by 60%. It integrates contemporary spaces, a 500-seat auditorium, and offices, creating a fascinating dialogue between past and present within the former San Carlos Hospital. This modern architecture contrasts with the historic walls.
The coexistence of Sabatini's historic walls and Nouvel's glass offers a unique architectural experience. Visitors traverse two distinct eras during their tour of the Atocha district. This duality reflects the museum's mission: connecting Spanish history to global contemporary art through this hybrid architecture.
What to see at the Reina Sofía Museum
The absolute masterpiece remains Guernica by Pablo Picasso, painted in 1937. This monumental work symbolizes the tragedy of the Spanish Civil War. Note: photography is strictly prohibited in this specific room, requiring particular vigilance from visitors admiring this 349 x 776 cm painting. It is the ultimate highlight.
Besides Picasso, the collection includes major pieces by Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró. These masters of surrealism and abstraction form the central pillar of the institution. Their presence helps understand the formal and conceptual evolution of Spanish art in the 20th century, particularly through the works of the Madrid School. The Reina Sofía Center for Art is a must-see.
The tour spans several floors, following a chronological progression from 1900 to today. This organization helps decode the historical context of the works. For an efficient visit, start with the modern masterpieces before venturing into the contemporary section, allowing a minimum of 2 to 3 hours to see everything. Access is via the Atocha district.
Logistics and practical tips
The museum is located near Atocha Station, south of the art Golden Triangle. It is important to note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays. Standard hours are from 10 am to 9 pm, with possible free evening slots but often accompanied by significant queues. To avoid crowds, prefer late-day visits or weekdays.
To optimize your time, plan for 2 to 3 hours for a targeted visit. Combining it with the Prado is ideal to maximize artistic impact. Make sure to check the closing day before planning your itinerary in Madrid.
What awaits you
Spanish modern art at the height of its glory
Tips for visiting the Reina Sofía Museum
Insider tips
Managing queues
Although free evening slots exist, they often generate considerable queues. To guarantee your time slot and avoid waiting, prefer a paid skip-the-line ticket which ensures smooth access at your chosen time.
Photography rules
Photos are allowed without flash in most rooms, but strictly prohibited in the space dedicated to Guernica. Plan to memorize this iconic work rather than capturing it digitally to respect conservation guidelines.
Booking recommended
It is strongly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons. A skip-the-line ticket allows you to bypass the general queue and optimize your visit time at this very busy museum.
Optimized route
Start with the 20th-century Spanish collections before discovering international works. This chronological approach helps better understand the evolution of modern art and the central role of figures like Picasso and Dalí.
Realistic visit duration
Allow between 2 and 3 hours for a complete museum visit. This time allows you to appreciate the major works without rushing, while also discovering the temporary exhibitions and remarkable architectural spaces.
Strategic lunch break
The museum offers integrated dining options, ideal for a quick break. Otherwise, the Atocha district offers numerous nearby restaurants, making it easy to combine culture and local gastronomy.
Smartphone use
Check the exact opening hours and closure days before your visit, particularly that the museum is closed on Tuesdays. Use your phone to consult the interactive maps available on site so you don't miss anything.
Group visit
For groups, book specific time slots to avoid crowds. Multilingual audio guides are available and help contextualize the works within their complex historical and artistic environment.
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Little-known anecdotes
Hospital heritage
The main building is none other than the former San Carlos Hospital, built under Charles III at the end of the 18th century. This hospital architecture has been transformed into a museum space, creating a unique dialogue between health heritage and modern art.
Architectural extension
The extension designed by French architect Jean Nouvel was inaugurated in 2005, increasing the total surface area of the museum by 60%. This project allowed for the integration of auditoriums, libraries, and modern temporary exhibition spaces.
National inauguration
The permanent collection was officially inaugurated on September 10, 1992, marking the full opening of the institution as a national museum. This date symbolizes the affirmation of 20th-century Spanish art on the international stage.
Peak of the Golden Triangle
Alongside the Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, it forms Madrid's 'Golden Triangle of Art'. These three major museums constitute the city's cultural epicenter, located along the Paseo del Prado. A pleasant walk connects these sites.
Modern and contemporary collection
The museum covers the period from 1900 to the present day. This extensive collection includes works by Spanish and international artists, including Picasso, and has been directed by Manuel Segade since 2018.
Recent attendance
The museum welcomed over 1.6 million visitors in 2025, confirming its status as a must-see destination. This high attendance underscores the lasting interest in Spanish modern art among the international public.
Incorporating the Reina Sofía Museum into your trip to Madrid
Three itineraries depending on available time
Modern Art & Architecture Focus
- 9:30 AM: Arrival at the museum via Atocha station, direct access to the main building.
- 10:00 AM-12:00 PM: Guided tour of the permanent collections, focusing on Picasso, Dalí and Miró.
- 12:00 PM-1:00 PM: Lunch break at the interior restaurant or in the Atocha district.
- 1:00 PM-2:00 PM: Discovery of Jean Nouvel's architectural extension and its contemporary spaces.
The complete Golden Triangle
- 9:00 AM-12:00 PM: In-depth visit to the Prado Museum (classical and baroque art).
- 12:00 PM-1:30 PM: Lunch at restaurants along the Paseo del Prado.
- 1:30 PM-4:30 PM: Reina Sofía Museum, targeted route through 20th-century Spanish art.
- 5:00 PM-6:00 PM: Stroll through Atocha Park or visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza if time permits.
Madrid cultural immersion
- Day 1 morning: Complete visit of the Reina Sofía with a focus on Guernica and the surrealist masters.
- Day 1 afternoon: Exploration of the Malasaña district for its bohemian and artistic atmosphere.
- Day 2 morning: Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum to complement the private collection of European art.
- Day 2 afternoon: Relaxation in Retiro Park and visit to the Crystal Palace.
- Evening: Concert or show in the museum auditorium if available, or dinner in the Atocha district.
Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen: The Paseo del Arte Pass
Choose the Art Walk Pass and avoid queues when visiting 3 of Madrid's best museums with a single ticket.
From 40 €
See also
More must-see experiences in Madrid
Interactive map
Find the attraction and nearby places to visit
Near Reina Sofía Museum
Make time to explore the surrounding area
Restaurants on Paseo del Prado
5 min walk
Ideal for a lunch break after the visit, facing the park and other major museums in the Golden Triangle.
Retiro Park Gardens
15 min walk
The perfect historic green space to digest the emotional intensity of the modern works before heading out.
Atocha Station (Estación del Arte)
2 min walk
Major transit hub directly connected to the museum, facilitating access from all over Spain.
Malasaña District
20 min walk
Bohemian and alternative atmosphere, an ideal cultural extension for street art enthusiasts and nightlife lovers.
Royal Palace
25 min walk
Iconic monument of Madrid offering a panoramic view and a strong architectural contrast with modernism.
How to get to the Reina Sofía Museum
Estimated travel times from the main points in the city
Metro : Plaza del Emperador Carlos V (3 min walk) Bus : Desamparados (5 min walk)
- From Madrid-Atocha Station 0,3 km → 7 min
- From Embajadores 0,8 km → 8 min
- From Sol 1,2 km → 9 min
- From Recoletos 1,6 km → 10 min
- From Doce de Octubre 3,2 km → 14 min
- From Madrid-Atocha Station 0,3 km → 9 min
- From Embajadores 0,8 km → 11 min
- From Sol 1,2 km → 13 min
- From Recoletos 1,6 km → 15 min
- From Doce de Octubre 3,2 km → 21 min
- From Madrid-Atocha Station 0,3 km → 4 min
- From Embajadores 0,8 km → 6 min
- From Sol 1,2 km → 7 min
- From Recoletos 1,6 km → 8 min
- From Doce de Octubre 3,2 km → 14 min
- From Madrid-Atocha Station 0,3 km → 4 min
- From Embajadores 0,8 km → 6 min
- From Sol 1,2 km → 8 min
- From Recoletos 1,6 km → 10 min
- From Doce de Octubre 3,2 km → 17 min
- From Madrid-Atocha Station 0,3 km → 4 min
- From Embajadores 0,8 km → 10 min
- From Sol 1,2 km → 15 min
- From Recoletos 1,6 km → 20 min
Accommodation
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Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before your visit
Booking
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Practical Information
Accessibility
Reina Sofía Museum on video
A preview of this exceptional place before your visit
Reina Sofía Museum in pictures
See what to expect during your visit
The Reina Sofía Museum vs other art museums in Madrid
Quick comparison with other major sites
| Reina Sofía Museum | Prado Museum | Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of creation | 1992 | 1819 | 1992 |
| Adult price | 12 € | 15 € | 14 € |
| Visit duration | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours | 2 hours |
| Particularity | 20th-century Spanish modern art | Classical and Baroque art | Private collection of European art |
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