13 best museums in Madrid for art, archaeology, and even dessert

It’s no secret that one of the best things to do in Madrid is to visit its acclaimed museums. The soul of Spain is found within the walls of these world-renowned institutions. The best museums in Madrid, like Reina Sofia, showcase works by great Spanish painters like Picasso and Goya, while the Museum of the Americas displays artifacts highlighting the richness of pre-Columbian culture. Meanwhile, science lovers can unravel the mysteries of the universe with multi-sensory experiences at the experimental IKONO Museum. Madrid’s museums cover it all.

Madrid’s best museums at a glance

Best museum for art: The Prado Museum

Best museum for history: National Archaeological Museum of Spain

Best museum for families: Sweet Space

1. Prado Museum

Best for Spanish art lovers

Why should I visit the Prado Museum?

The Prado Museum is not only one of the top landmarks in Madrid, but it’s one of the most iconic art museums in the world. Its spectacular collections contain the works of some of Spain’s most famous masters, including works by El Greco, Goya, and Velázquez. This beautiful, historic institution is an absolute must for any art lover.

How long can I spend at the Prado Museum?

Expect to spend at least three hours at the Prado Museum, but you could spend even more time if you want to meander from collection to collection. The best time to visit is in the evening, before closing time when the crowds have dissipated.

Insider tip

“The Nobleman with his Hand on his Chest” by El Greco and “The Cardinal” by Raphael are among the museum’s most iconic pieces, but there are hundreds of other masterpieces to take in. A guided tour is a great way to see more highlights with an art expert.

Address and opening hours

23 Calle de Ruiz de Alarcón, 28014 Madrid, Spain . Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM and Sunday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM.

2. Reina Sofia

Best for 20th-century art lovers

Why should I visit Reina Sofia?

The Reina Sofía Museum celebrates the masterpieces of 20th-century Spanish art. Great artists like Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró are the star attractions here, with collections that showcase the best of Cubism, Fauvism, and other modern movements. It’s frequently ranked as one of the best art museums in Madrid.

How long can I spend at Reina Sofia?

You can make the most of your Museo Reina Sofia tickets by spending at least two to three hours at the museum.

Insider tip

Don’t miss Picasso’s moving “Guernica,” which reflects the horrors of the Spanish Civil War and is perhaps the most famous anti-war painting in the world.

Address and opening hours

52 Carretera de Santa Isabel, 28012 Madrid, Spain. Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-9:00 PM and Sunday, 10:00 AM-2:30 PM.

3. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Best for European art lovers

Why should I visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum?

One of the best museums in Madrid, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum highlights iconic artists from other countries. Here, you’ll see works by some of the most celebrated European masters in history, including Renoir, Manet, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Caravaggio.

How long can I spend at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum?

It is recommended that you spend at least two and a half hours looking at the permanent collection. But you can always spend more time as there is so much to see.

Insider tip

If you want to have the museum to yourself, consider an after-hours visit. You can arrange these by emailing with the museum.

Address and opening hours

8 Plaza del Prado, 28014 Madrid, Spain . Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM and Monday, 12:00 PM-4:00 PM.

4. Lázaro Galdiano Museum

Best for art lovers

Why should I visit the Lázaro Galdiano Museum?

This elegant stately home in Madrid’s most exclusive neighborhood is now a spectacular art museum. As you wander the Lázaro Galdiano Museum’s beautiful corridors, you’ll see works by artists such as Hieronymus Bosch, Goya, and El Greco.

How long can I spend at the Lázaro Galdiano Museum?

Plan to spend at least 90 minutes at the museum. The variety of exhibits, such as paintings, jewelry, frescoes, antiques, and modern art, are tailored to different interests.

Insider tip

In addition to the stunning art, the building is one of the most storied in the city. Be sure to look at all the details outside the picture frames or take a tour to hear the tales behind the eclectic art collection.

Address and opening hours

122 Calle de Serrano, 28006 Madrid, Spain . Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9:30 AM-3:00 PM, and Thursday evening, 4:30 PM-7:30 PM. Closed Mondays.

5. Palacio de Liria

Best for European art lovers

Why should I visit Palacio de Liria?

The Palacio de Liria is a private residence that has been converted into an art gallery. There’s a wealth of great masters on display, including artwork by Goya, Rubens, El Greco, and Velázquez. The building itself deserves a close look, too, with its stunning neoclassical architecture.

How long can I spend at Palacio de Liria?

The palace offers timed tours with an audio guide that lasts about an hour.

Insider tip

You’ll be able to view a first-edition copy of Don Quixote, which is one of the prized possessions among the library’s 9,000 books.

Address and opening hours

20 Calle de la Princesa, 28008 Madrid, Spain. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:15 AM-12:45 PM and 3:45 PM-6:15 PM; Monday, 10:15 AM-12:45 PM.

6. Museum of Romanticism

Best for Romantic art lovers

Why should I visit the Museum of Romanticism?

One of Madrid’s lesser-known art gems, the Museum of Romanticism, is dedicated to a single art era, the Romantic movement, which originated in Europe towards the end of the 18th century. Inside the museum, you’ll find paintings, ceramics, dolls, pianos, furniture, and more, all of which help illuminate daily life during Europe’s Industrial Revolution and the Age of Enlightenment.

How long can I spend at the Museum of Romanticism?

You should allow one to two hours for a visit to the museum. Don't miss the portraits, paintings, furnishings, ceramics, and personal artifacts.

Insider tip

Explore the beautiful Magnolia Garden, with its perfectly manicured lawn. There’s a cafe, too, so you can refuel with coffee and homemade cake while admiring the flowers.

Address and opening hours

13 Calle de San Mateo, 28004 Madrid, Spain. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 AM-8:30 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

7. National Archaeological Museum of Spain

Best for archaeology fans

Why should I visit the National Archaeological Museum of Spain?

The National Archaeological Museum of Spain will take you on a journey through time across the ages of European history. Many pieces here date back to the Roman era and even earlier, with fascinating artifacts from all over the Iberian Peninsula.

How long can I spend at the National Archaeological Museum of Spain?

It is recommended that you spend two to three hours at the National Archaeological Museum of Spain to appreciate its vast collection. But you can spend less time if you’re visiting only one or two sections.

Insider tip

Look for one of the most impressive pieces on display, “La Dama de Elche” (“The Lady of Elche”), an incredibly detailed limestone bust from the 4th century BCE. This stunning piece has sparked long archaeological debates about its origins and meaning.

Address and opening hours

13 Calle de Serrano, 28001 Madrid, Spain. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 AM-8:00 PM; Sunday, 9:30 AM-3:00 PM; closed Mondays.

8. Cervantes Birthplace Museum

Best for history buffs

Why should I visit the Cervantes Birthplace Museum?

Spain’s most famous author, Miguel de Cervantes, author of the literary classic Don Quixote, was born in Alcalá de Henares, a suburb of Madrid. The Cervantes Birthplace Museum is now dedicated to the lifestyles and traditions of 16th-century Spain and the writer himself.

How long can I spend at the Cervantes Birthplace Museum?

The museum is detailed but small, so visitors can plan to spend an hour or less there.

Insider tip

In addition to the Cervantes Birthplace Museum, visit the ancient university buildings and the remarkable Archbishop’s Palace, which are also located in Alcalá de Henares.

Address and opening hours

48 Calle Mayor, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:30 PM. Closed Mondays.

9. Museum of the Americas

Best for fans of Indigenous history

Why should I visit the Museum of the Americas?

Founded in the 16th century, the Museo de America offers a deep dive into the indigenous culture of the Americas before colonization. Here, you can see outfits, jewelry, weapons, statues, and more from across the Americas.

How long can I spend at the Museum of the Americas?

Two to three hours will be enough to see many of the museum’s exhibits. But if you want to digest the entire collection, it’s easy to spend a whole day here.

Insider tip

Don’t miss the stunning “Head of Viracocha,” an intricately carved sculpture of one of the Incan gods.

Address and opening hours

6 Avenida de los Reyes Católicos, 28040 Madrid, Spain. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

10. Sweet Space

Best for dessert-lovers

Why should I visit Sweet Space?

The unique Sweet Space Museum offers sugar-coated exhibits that use modern digital techniques to create a Willy Wonka–style playground. Many exhibits are interactive, and kids will love the chance to ride the larger-than-life pink flamingo or admire the lollipop waterfall.

How long can I spend at Sweet Space?

You can spend anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours at Sweet Space in Madrid.

Insider tip

Go on an empty stomach and head for Sweet Space’s ice cream lab. This experimental section of the museum will have you tasting all sorts of out-of-the-box flavors.

Address and opening hours

61 Calle de Serrano, 28006 Madrid, Spain. Open daily, 11:00 AM-1:30 PM and 3:30 PM-8:00 PM, except Tuesday afternoons.

11. Real Madrid Museum

Best for sports fans

Why should I visit the Real Madrid Museum?

A treat for sports fans, the Real Madrid Museum celebrates what most believe to be the most successful soccer club in Europe. Inside the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the soccer museum dives into the club’s history, including their record-breaking 14 Champions League victories.

How long can I spend at the Real Madrid Museum?

You only need about an hour to explore the museum. You can purchase a self-guided Classic Tour or upgrade to the Premium Tour, which will be led by a museum guide.

Insider tip

Don't miss the chance to watch highlights of famous matches and look for memorabilia from international superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, David Beckham, and Zinedine Zidane. On the stadium tour, you will visit the impressive trophy room and the famous pitch.

Address and opening hours

1 Avenida de Concha Espina, 28036 Madrid, Spain. Opening times vary depending on the club’s schedule.

12. IKONO

Best for science lovers

Why should I visit IKONO?

The cutting-edge IKONO is a boundary-pushing sensory museum that wows visitors with modern innovations. The museum features a variety of immersive exhibits across 12 different spaces, including everything from Cubist Camouflage to a Blacklight Jungle adventure.

How long can I spend at IKONO?

Visitors should plan to spend one to two hours at IKONO to experience all of its immersive exhibits.

Insider tip

Families won’t want to miss the giant ball pit at the IKONO Museum. It’s one of the best things to do with kids in Madrid.

Address and opening hours

7 Calle de Sánchez Bustillo, 28012 Madrid, Spain. Open Sunday-Thursday, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-11:00 PM.

13. Museum of Illusions

Best for families

Why should I visit the Museum of Illusions?

You won’t believe your eyes at the Museum of Illusions — but that’s entirely the point. The museum’s interactive exhibits play tricks on the mind, playing with perception and surprising visitors by blurring the lines between magic and reality.

How long can I spend at the Museum of Illusions?

A visit to the museum can last anywhere from one hour to 90 minutes.

Insider tip

The Anti-Gravity Room is one of the most fun exhibits in the museum, where the laws of physics act more like guidelines. Balls roll uphill; water flows backward — you won’t believe it until you see it yourself.

Address and opening hours

8 Calle del Dr Cortezo, 28012 Madrid, Spain. Open Monday-Friday, 11:00 AM-9:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday, 9:30 AM-9:00 PM.

FAQs

1. What are the most famous museums in Madrid?

The most famous museums in Madrid are undoubtedly the art museums. At the top of the list are the Prado, which focuses on historic Spanish art, and the Reina Sofia, which celebrates 20th-century works.

2. Are there any free museums in Madrid?

There are a few free museums in Madrid, such as the Naval Museum and the Coral Cultural Center. For free access to the big ones like the Prado or the Reina Sofia, enter two hours before closing time.

3. What’s the most interesting museum in Madrid if I only have time for one?

The most famous museum in Madrid is the Prado Museum. It is one of the most famous art museums in the world and is the main Spanish national art museum.

4. Are there any fun museums in Madrid for families and children?

Kids will love the Sweet Space Museum and Museum of Illusions.

5. For which museums in Madrid are guided tours recommended?

Guided tours are a good idea in the art museums. They’re particularly useful in the Reina Sofia, as many of the pieces on display have political undercurrents that you might not know about.

6. Are there any museum passes or discount cards available for visiting multiple museums in Madrid?

You can pick up a Go City pass, which gives you access to several museums, tours, and other attractions.