Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid

This museum was built as an example of "no expense too great" and its design, brilliantly done by the ingenious Rafael Moneo (also known for transforming the Atocha train station and modernization at the Prado). You may wonder why some of the elements used seem out of character with Moneo's other designs -- a look at the history of the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza begins to tell the story.

Located diagonally from the Prado, this latest installment on Madrid's trio of major museums was placed in the former Palacio de Villahermosa. Spain made in June 1993 the world's largest acquisition of a private collection over 700 paintings for a stunning $350 million. Accumulated over many years by father-and-son German-Hungarian industrial magnates Baron Thyssen. Thyssen's current (fifth) wife, "Tita" Cervera, a former Miss Spain, who overcame opposing efforts of the German, Swiss and English governments, as well as the Getty Foundation and countless other suitors. Love can overcome all. Tita's influence (rather than Moneo's) is shown in the salmon pink stucco walls and marble floors throughout. Other nods to the influences of power are shown in portraits of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía, Baron Thyssen and the horrible portrait of Tita and her dog.

For the very reasonable entrance price of 4.80€, you will be treated to Fauves, Expressionists, Neoclassicism, Surrealists, medieval to eighteenth-century, Pop Art, seventeenth-century Dutch and Rococo and the avant-garde. You'll only see 40% of the collection at any one time.

Never to be outdone, the Thyssen team collected art from nearly every movement and notable artist. You'll be stunned to see such a comprehensive collection from names like Schiele, El Greco, Caravaggio, Duccio, Holbein and Rothko.

The Museo-Bornemisza; www.museothyssen.org;(Métro: Banco de España) is open Tues-Sun from 10AM - 7PM), so you'll likely need the cafeteria and restaurant on premesis.

The Spanish government is studying way to expand the museum into adjoining buildings to displaypieces from Tita's personal collection.

Back to Explore Madrid