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Among several brilliant museums in the vibrant city of Madrid, Reina Sofia is by far my favorite.
Picasso's followers will recognise it as the home of 20th century's most famous painting, Picasso's "Guernica".
This building, originally an 18th century hospital was beautifully remodelled and converted into a museum in 1992, with two panoramic glass lifts standing out in the façade. In 2005 it added an extension designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. Its official name is the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, named after the Queen Sofia of Spain. Located conveniently across Atocha train station,the museum is mainly dedicated to Spanish art.
Spread across four floors,highlights of the museum include excellent collections of Spain's two greatest 20th century masters, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. The Reina Sofía also has fine collections of the works of Juan Gris, Joan Miró, Julio González, Eduardo Chillida, Antoni Tàpies, Pablo Gargallo, Lucio Muñoz, Luis Gordillo, Jorge Oteiza, José Gutiérrez Solana and many other significant artists.
As you reach floor II,you find the famous Picasso's "Guernica".No pictures are allowed ofcourse. It was commissioned by the Spanish government for a Paris exhibition as a Civil War protest and hung in a New York gallery until 1981, fulfilling Picasso's wish that it should not be shown in Spain until democracy was established. It was then exhibited at the Prado, and moved to this permanent home in 1992.
Besides "Guernica", another highlight is "Woman in Blue" also by Picasso.Miró's enigmatic "Portrait II" is another standout in the museum for its Surrealist elements. Salvador Dali's "Landscapes at Cadaqués" is the artists' showpiece here, painted in the summer of 1923 during his visit to the town of Cadaqués.
A library specializing in 20th century art and archives is a part of the museum, with over 10,000 volumes and approximately 1,000 periodicals. The museum shop sells design goods, pottery, and writing materials, and is open during museum hours, while the adjoining restaurant is open late into the night and serves dinners.
The museum remains closed on Tuesdays and on working days, visitors are expected to leave 15 minutes prior to closing time.
Reina Sofia should be a must-visit place in your itinerary on a trip to Madrid. Need further incentive?
The entrance has become free on all days now! Directions :
Metro: Atocha
Calle Santa Isabel, 52
Madrid
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Very offbeat. Usually one sees Madrid articles about fashion,shopping etc. nice to see focus on art
Good work!