The Thyssen in 2 hours: the essential route, floor by floor
Quick answer
In 2 hours you can tour the Thyssen chronologically: start on floor 2 with Van Eyck and Carpaccio, continue on floor 1 with the baroque and the Dutch masters, and end on floor 0 with Monet, Van Gogh, Hopper and 20th-century art. Allow about 15 minutes per key floor.
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The route: 8 stops in 2 hours
The Thyssen follows a chronological route from top to bottom. If a work is on loan, the floor plan at the entrance will say so. Timings are approximate.
- 1
0:00 · Floor 2
Primitives: Van Eyck and the Annunciation
Jan van Eyck's Annunciation diptych, painted in grisaille to imitate sculpture, is one of the wonders of early Flemish art.
- 2
0:15 · Floor 2
Renaissance: Ghirlandaio and Carpaccio
Look for Ghirlandaio's Giovanna Tornabuoni and Carpaccio's Young Knight in a Landscape, icons of Renaissance portraiture.
- 3
0:30 · Floor 2
Dürer and Holbein
Dürer's Jesus among the Doctors and Holbein's portrait of Henry VIII show the northern Renaissance.
- 4
0:40 · Floor 1
Baroque: Caravaggio and the Dutch masters
Caravaggio's Saint Catherine of Alexandria opens the baroque; 17th-century Dutch interiors and portraits fill the next rooms.
- 5
1:00 · Floor 1
Romantic and 19th-century American art
Romantic landscapes and 19th-century American art you will not find in other Madrid museums.
- 6
1:15 · Floor 0
Impressionism and post-impressionism
Manet, Monet, Van Gogh (Les Vessenots in Auvers) and Cézanne bring the revolution of light together in a few rooms.
- 7
1:35 · Floor 0
Expressionism and the avant-garde
Kirchner, Picasso and Dalí mark the step from the 19th to the 20th century, with an outstanding German expressionist collection.
- 8
1:50 · Floor 0
Hopper, Pollock, Rothko and Lichtenstein
Finish with 20th-century American art: Hopper's Hotel Room, Pollock, Rothko and Lichtenstein.
Tips to make the most of it
- Start on floor 2 and work down: the chronological route is the best way to understand the collection.
- If free Monday is packed, try a Tuesday first thing.
- Leave bags and coats in the free cloakroom.
- Point the AnyArt camera at any painting to hear its story: a good alternative to an audio guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see the Thyssen in 2 hours?
Yes, following the chronological route from floor 2 to floor 0 and focusing on the masterpieces.
What about 1 hour?
Prioritise Van Eyck's Annunciation, Caravaggio, the impressionists on floor 0 and Hopper.
Where does the visit start?
On floor 2, where the oldest art is; then you work down.
Is free Monday worth it?
Yes, but expect more people and shorter hours. If you can, go on another weekday.