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Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

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BostonGal
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Don't Miss Guernica

  • November 30, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by anitaellen83 from Dallas, Texas
Don't Miss Guernica

Reina Sofia is a museum of modern art in Madrid. Its galleries, often lit by natural lighting are perfect for viewing the art. There are plenty of works by Picasso to enjoy, as well as many other famous artists of the modern era. Of course the most famous painting there is Guernica that draws a large crowd. You can purchase a museum pass good for Reina Sofia, Museo del Prado, and Thyssen-Bornemisza for about 15 E. Just keep in mind that Reina Sofia is dark on Tuesdays, while the Prado is dark on Mondays.

From journal Madrid in 3 Days

Editor Pick

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia

  • March 27, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by marseilles from Metro Manila, Philippines
The Guernica gave me goosebumps.

We were fortunate that our visit to the Reina Sofia coincided with a special Picasso exhibition celebrating the 25th year since the Guernica had been turned over to Spain from New York's Museum of Modern Art.

Before we arrived at the Guernica, we saw a trio of works that prepared us for the big moment. Francisco de Goya's El 3 de Mayo, Manet's The Execution of Maximillian and Picasso's Masacre en Corea (the latter two on loan from the Mannheim and Paris) were displayed in a triangle. As I listened to the audio commentary on my headset, I felt my heart go still with pain.

Then I turned around and there was the Guernica, larger that I could have imagined. Towering in front of me was the testament to Picasso's passionate but thoughtful anger, a rage controlled and focused in each face, each form on the canvas. I could not help but think of the barbaric moments in history of which my own people had been victims, thorough wartime and periods of oppression. An image came to my mind of Picasso, the man, shaking with frustration about the news of Guernica's bombardment.

I am no art connoiseur, but I suppose that is the mark of truly great artwork - if it manages to communicate across cultures and borders and without language - what the artist must have felt.

There were memorable works in the rest of the building - this old hospital transformed into an art museum. The Dalis and Miros were exciting to see. But long after we left the museum, it was the Guernica I remembered.

The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia (or just "Reina Sofia") is open from Monday to Saturday (except Tuesday, when it is closed) from 10am to 9pm. On Sundays it is open from 10am to 2pm. Admission is free for all on Saturdays after 2:30 and on Sundays. Admission is 6 euros for adults; 3 for students with the right ID. Tel. 91 774 1000. The Guernica and the Goya is part of the museum's permanent collection; Masacre en Corea and the Manet I mentioned are not.

Anyone who is interested in modern art and is passionate about history should see the Guernica if they find themselves in Madrid.

From journal Cordoba and Back to Madrid: Part 4, Final Part

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

  • July 22, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Mandan Lynn from Smithwick, South Dakota
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
Monday-Saturday 10:00-9:00 pm
Sunday 10:00-2:30 pm
Closed Tuesday
Admission: 6,00 euros (students 3,00)
Free on Sunday and Saturday after 2:30

The Reina Sofia rivals the Prado, as far as I'm concerned. Sure, when we think Madrid, we think Prado, but if you like art museums you won't want to miss the Reina Sofia, either.

When I was there, they had a special Picasso exhibition on display. Since it carries with it an additional cost, I didn't go, but I wasn't disappointed -- the permanent collection includes several Picassos, anyway -- some of my favorites of his that I've seen. I really enjoyed it.

Of course, you'll also see works by Dali. This was a real treat for me -- the first Dalis I've ever seen in real life. They're fascinating paintings, even though I wouldn't necessarily want them hanging in my living room.

I went on a Saturday afternoon, and it was pretty crowded. Since I got there just before 2:30, I also had to stand in line outside -- in the hot, hot heat -- but it was well worth it. The Reina Sofia has a fantastic collection.

From journal Madrid!

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

  • April 29, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Tre. W. from no where, Louisiana

Metro stop: Atocha

This place is AMAZING, if you like contemporary art, surrealism, or modern art, then this is your place. If you are sick of looking at paintings of Jesus and the mother Mary, this is your place. Spend an hour wondering through the bottom floor of temporary installments, then move on to floor 2 and 4 to see the masters of surrealism. Save extra time fro the Bali and Picasso rooms, they are mind blowing!

 

An amazing collection of 20th century art for a good price €3 or €1.5 with ISIC card.

 

From journal Backpacker in Madrid

Editor Pick

Reina Sofia

  • September 22, 2005
  • Rated 5 of 5 by justinef from London, United Kingdom
After the disappointment of the Prado, some of our group was reluctant to go to another art gallery during our short trip, but five of us spent a Sunday morning at this amazing gallery and were very glad that we didn't miss it.

The main attraction here is “Guernica,” Picasso's famous mural depicting the horrors of the Spanish Civil War. This painting is huge and one of the most moving things I have ever seen, inspiring anger and terror at the brutal regime that blighted Spain's fairly recent history. Anyone who doubts the talent of Picasso and his Cubist style needs to see this to understand his genius.

There are some other gems here too by Picasso and Dali, including early work, proving that they can paint “properly” for anyone who doesn't like Cubism or Surrealism. Bunuel's “Un Chien Andalou” was also showing here when we visited, and the scene with eye and the razor is still one of the most powerful images ever put on screen.

It being a Sunday morning of a hen weekend, it is worth pointing out that we were feeling tired from the night before and the bride-to-be in particular was feeling a bit hungover, but the white walls and the cool air in the gallery proved to be soothing and modern art an unexpected hangover cure!

From journal Hen Weekend in Madrid

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