Introduction
As we stand in front of the Queen Sofía National Art Center Museum, commonly known as the Queen Sofía Museum, let’s take a moment to look at the building itself. Its monumental size comes from the functions it has performed over the years. This was the result of the decree of King Philip II in 1556, aimed at uniting all Madrid hospitals in one place and establishing a General Hospital there. As you can guess, the needs of the constantly expanding city hospital were enormous. Therefore, at the end of the 18th century, this colossal structure was built according to the design of the architect Francisco Sabatini. Over the following years, the building was renovated and expanded many times, and in the last century it was almost demolished. In 1965, the hospital was closed, and the building stood abandoned for the next 20 years. Many city residents considered it too extensive and unattractive. However, it preserved and in 1977, by royal decree, it was officially recognized as a historical monument. In the following years, the building underwent renovation, adding glass and steel elevators, giving it a more contemporary character. In the early 1980s, temporary exhibitions were organized there, and in 1988, the National Museum was established by another royal decree. On September 10, 1992, the Queen Sofía National Art Center Museum, often called Madrid’s MoMa, referring to the Museum of Modern Art in New York, was officially opened. The Queen Sofía Museum completes the Golden Triangle of Art, alongside 🔗 the Prado Museum and 🔗 Thyssen-Bornemisza. Chronologically, it expands the Prado’s collection from the symbolic year of 1881, the year of Pablo Picasso’s birth.
Visit
The museum houses many of the greatest collections of 20th century art in Europe. The most famous works of Joan Miro, Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso. Although many guests come here mainly to see Picasso’s painting “Guernica”, which is symbolic for Spaniards. A painting that pays homage to the Basque city of Guernica, which is the holy city of the Basques. The city was bombed in 1937 by the German Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War, after siding with the Republicans. The painting depicts the suffering of people and animals caused by war, violence, and chaos. Picasso painted this painting commissioned by the Republican government to be exhibited at the 1937 World Exhibition in Paris. Until 1981, the painting stayed in New York. According to the artist’s will, it was to return to Spain after the return of democracy. The painting “Guernica” remains a powerful symbol of the horrors of war and the resilience of human spirit.
The incredibly important exhibition is dedicated to the Spanish Civil War (1936-39). The collection comprises over 300 posters, photographs, and archival materials, creating a unique exhibition. It shows the significant role played by artists during the war, who through art expressed emotions that accompanied ordinary people entangled in a fratricidal conflict. Many of these artists were well-known in Spain before the war, such as Mauricio Amster, José Bardasano, and Josep Renau. During those years, posters and magazines were the most important means of spreading ideologies.
When visiting the museum, you cannot miss the inner patio. Not only is there a lovely garden, but there are also several sculptures. Our attention will certainly be immediately drawn to the bronze Oiseau lunaire Moon Bird by Joan Miró dating back to 1966. The first version of this surrealist work originated in the years 1946-49. The shiny and polished surface of this enigmatic creature, which is difficult to identify, is reminiscent of a bit of Picasso. This is due to the artist, who poetically combined metaphorical forms from the world of nature and the cosmos, mutually complementary oppositions, masculine and feminine features, day, and night.
Planner
Metro: L1 Estación del Arte L3 Lavapiés
Tickets: at the entrance or 🌐 on-line free last 2 hours before closing, reduced for children, seniors and Large Family Members (EU)
Guide: available tour or audioguide, you can get to know the museum by downloading 🌐 a map
🎫 Tickets online & ⏰ Open Hours
