Reina Sofía Museum: a practical visitor guide
Quick answer
The Reina Sofía opens Monday and Wednesday to Saturday 10am–9pm and Sundays 10am–2:30pm; it is closed on Tuesdays. General admission is €12 and entry is free Monday to Saturday from 7pm to 9pm. Guernica is on floor 2 of the Sabatini building; two hours covers the highlights.
Hours and prices checked on · Official website
More Reina Sofía Museum guides
- Reina Sofía in 2 hoursA 2-hour route through the Reina Sofía: Guernica, Dalí, Miró, Picasso and contemporary art, with timings, the best order and tips to beat the lines.
- Hours, tickets & free entryReina Sofía opening hours, ticket price, free entry times, free days of the year and the best time to visit without crowds. Checked in 2026.
- Must-see artThe 10 most important works at the Reina Sofía with locations and why they matter: Guernica, Dalí, Miró, Picasso, Juan Gris and more.
- Reina Sofía with kidsHow to visit the Reina Sofía with kids: a 75-minute route, games to look at Guernica, ticket info for under 18s, quieter times and practical tips.
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Why the Reina Sofía is a must
The Reina Sofía is Spain's national museum of modern and contemporary art. Its most famous work is Picasso's Guernica, but the collection also includes Dalí, Miró, Juan Gris, Julio González and a wide selection of Spanish and international 20th-century art. The historic building, the former San Carlos General Hospital (Sabatini building), is complemented by Jean Nouvel's extension.
How to plan your visit
- Buy a timed ticket online; with one, the museum recommends entering via the Nouvel building (Ronda de Atocha, 2).
- Start on floor 2 of the Sabatini building, home to the 1881–1945 collection and Guernica.
- If you go during free hours, collect a free ticket; it applies to individual visitors only.
- Retiro Park hosts the Palacio de Velázquez with free exhibitions (the Palacio de Cristal is currently closed for works).
- Scan any artwork with the AnyArt app to hear its story instead of renting an audio guide.
Combine it with Madrid's Art Walk
Together with the Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, the Reina Sofía forms Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art, about a 15-minute walk apart. An Art Walk pass covers all three. A good one-day plan: the Prado in the morning and the Reina Sofía in the afternoon, using the evening free hours.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you need at the Reina Sofía?
Two hours covers Guernica and the floor 2 masterpieces. For a relaxed visit of both collection floors, plan 3 to 4 hours.
When is the Reina Sofía free?
Monday and Wednesday to Saturday 7pm–9pm, Sundays 12:30pm–2:30pm, and on special dates such as 18 April, 18 and 22 May, 12 October and 6 December. A free ticket is required.
Where is Guernica?
In room 206 on floor 2 of the Sabatini building, within the collection on the early 20th century.
What day is the Reina Sofía closed?
Tuesdays. It also closes on some holidays such as 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
Can you take photos in the Reina Sofía?
Not in the Guernica room. Elsewhere in the collection photos without flash are usually allowed, but check the current rules on the official website.