Queen Sofia National Museum, Community of Madrid

Queen Sofia National Museum - details and images

In 1566, King Philip II ordered that all hospitals in the city to be brought under one roof, so they were all brought into this building which became the General Hospital. In the 18th century the need for a larger hospital became pressing. Between 1776 and 1781 the new building was built using plans by Francisco Sabatini, as commanded King Carlos III.

Since then, many additions and renovations were made, and former hospital miraculously escaped demolition under pressure from those who claim that this building is not attractive. In 1977 a royal decree said building a national monument.

Architect Antonio Fernandez Alba has been in charge for renovation around 1980 and almost a decade after the works were completed. Glass elevators are a feature of the old building that gives this building a modern. During renovation, the building housed temporary exhibits, and in 1988 when renovations were completed another royal decree has made it into the National Museum.
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia in Madrid is often called MoMa (Museum of Modern Art - New York). Indeed, the museum has one of the best collections of art in the 20th century and is an excellent place to see the works of contemporary Spanish artists, including Joan Miro, Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso. One's mind works Picasoo, Guernica, can be found here, although the artist would have preferred to be exhibited at the Prado Museum.

Transport: Metro Atocha (M1)
Address: Calle Santa Isabel 52
Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10:00 - 21:00; Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday: closed
Rates: normal ticket - 6 €; temporary exhibitions - 3 €.

Admission is gratutita Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 19:00 until closing, Saturday from 14:30 until closing and all day Sunday. Entry is free on 18 April (World Heritage Day), 18 May (International Museum Day), 12 October (national holiday) and 6 December (Constitution Day).

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