Home » Special Features » The World’s Best » Best Museums Madrid
These can’t-miss museums offer an array of attractions designed to mesmerize art addicts and curious gallery-goers alike. Distinguished by their modern art masterpieces, architectural triumphs, oddball collections, or undeniable cool factor, these are the best-in-class museums in the world’s hottest cities.
The Draw: Understand Spanish life and culture by understanding the objects that, through the ages, made life beautiful: porcelain, glass, rugs, furniture, jewelry… The Scene: Much like London’s famed Victoria and Albert Museum, Madrid’s Museum of Decorative Arts looks at history through the lens of everyday objects. Some 15,000 artifacts are spread over 60 exhibition rooms that give a glimpse into Spanish life in past centuries. Tue–Sat 9:30am–3pm, Sun 10am–3pm. €- Hot Tip: The museum offers a range of complementary cultural activities in Spanish, including film series, short theater, crafts workshops, and themed visits.
Museo Sorolla Paseo del General Martínez Campos 37, Chamberí, 91.310.1584 museosorolla.mcu.es
The Draw: Immerse yourself in the life and work of Joaquín Sorolla, one of the best-loved artists of late 19th- and early 20th-century Spain. The Scene: Sorolla’s magnificent ability to capture and portray light gives his works an almost spiritual quality that transcends the ordinary nature of his subjects, which include fishermen, beaches, gardens of Andalucía, and Spanish landscapes. The museum is the world’s most comprehensive collection of Sorolla’s work. Tue–Sat 9:30am–8pm, Sun 10am–3pm. €- Hot Tip: The museum boasts a pretty garden, complete with pergola, where sporadic concerts or events are held. The information booth has details.
The Draw: Being a fashionista is nothing new; this costume museum takes a look at trends and fashions stretching from Roman times to the present. The Scene: Frock coats, breeches, bodices, corsets…whew, are we glad to have bypassed those fashion trends. The surprisingly complete collection of this museum and research center uses art, sculpture, and expertly preserved clothing to explore the role of fashion in history and the ability of fashion to shed light on things like social class, religious beliefs, occupation, and culture. Tue–Sat 9:30am–7pm, Sun 10am–3pm. €- Hot Tip: The modern restaurant within the museum, a chic eatery known for its unique spins on classic Basque fare, is a great choice whether or not you plan to visit the museum. Open Tue–Sat lunch and dinner.
