The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza or, more simply, the Thyssen, was my favorite of the art museums I visited in Madrid.
The Thyssen evolved from a private collection. Heinrich, Baron Thyssen-Bornemisza de Kaison, who was born in Germany and lived in Austria and the Netherlands with his Hungarian wife, began putting the collection together in the 1920’s. His son Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza continued and expanded it. At one time it was the second largest private collection in the world, behind only the British Royal Collection.
The collection was originally opened to the public at a family estate in Lugano, Switzerland. When the younger Baron was unable to get permission to expand the building there, he moved the collection to Madrid. His Spanish wife, Carmen “Tita” Cervera is believed to have influenced that decision.
The Thyssen Museum opened in 1992. One year later the 775-piece collection was sold to the Spanish government. Cervera loaned her personal collection of 429 works to the museum, a loan which renews annually.
The Thyssen houses works from the 14th century to present. As you can see from my photos below, I spent most of my time on the floor with the most modern pieces. The collection is diverse. There is an eye-catching surprise in just about every room you enter. I’ll start with my three favorites.
The Masters
The Art of Framing
Something Old
Something New
1910’s, ’20’s and 30’s
And a Little Sculpture
off the leash 
Remarkably special. Thanks for sharing this. Your phrase _ “an eye-catching surprise in just about every room you enter” _ sets up well the images you displayed. Quappi in Pink Jumper and Telephone Booths are quite different but both hauntingly beautiful.
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Amazing! I haven’t been to Spain in years, but I will have to get back there someday and visit everything I missed the first time around.
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An impressive collection. It forces me to admit that acquisitive rich people do occasionally perform actions that benefit society in the long run.
But will that notion apply to the Phillies?
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I did find it rather odd to think that when it comes to art I had something in common with some wealthy nomadic European baron.
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The Thyssen was my favourite of the art museums in Madrid as well. They also had a special temporary exhibit on Alex Katz when we visited, which was fantastic.
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It certainly looks like a stunning and diverse collection of art. Amazing to think it evolved from one person’s collection.
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We visited the art museum in Madrid
You love seeing all of these images
Can you follow my Blog ?
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