The Thyssen with kids: a short route, games and practical tips
Quick answer
With kids, the Thyssen is ideal in 60 to 90 minutes because its route goes from old to modern in a single building. Under 18s get in free. Challenge them to find a knight, a bridge in the fog and a hotel room; the best time is 10am from Tuesday to Thursday.
Hours and prices checked on · Official website
Point your camera at any artwork
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A 75-minute route designed for kids
- 1
0:00 · Floor 2
The young knight
Carpaccio's portrait is a perfect start: what is the young man carrying? What animals are in the landscape?
- 2
0:15 · Floor 2
Van Eyck: painting or sculpture?
The Annunciation looks carved from stone, though it is painted. Let the kids check up close.
- 3
0:30 · Floor 0
Monet: the bridge in the fog
Ask kids what they see from far away and what they see up close. Impressionism is a game of distances.
- 4
0:45 · Floor 0
Van Gogh: colours in motion
Have them point out three colours Van Gogh uses and look for them in other paintings.
- 5
1:00 · Floor 0
Hopper: the hotel room
Who is the woman? What is she reading? Inventing the story is the best game.
Practical tips for families
- Under 18s get in free: bring their ID.
- Buy adult tickets online to avoid lines.
- Use the free cloakroom for bags and coats.
- Take a mid-visit break so they do not tire.
- Before you go, let the kids choose 3 paintings on your phone and hunt for them in the museum.
- With the AnyArt app they can point at any painting and hear its story.
Frequently asked questions
Do kids pay at the Thyssen?
No, under 18s get in free.
Can I bring a stroller?
Yes, the museum is accessible with lifts between floors.
What age is the Thyssen good for?
From about 5–6 with a short visit; Monet, Van Gogh and the surrealists work very well.
Are there family activities?
The museum runs workshops and family tours on specific dates; check the official website.