The Golden Triangle of Art: Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen
Three world-class museums sit within walking distance of each other on Madrid's Paseo del Prado — here's how to divide a visit between them.
Madrid's "Golden Triangle of Art" — the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza — sit close enough along the Paseo del Prado to walk between all three, though seeing them properly in one day is a stretch worth avoiding.
The Prado: the classical core
Spanish and European painting from the 12th to the early 20th century, anchored by Velázquez's Las Meninas and Goya's full range from court portraits to the Black Paintings. Free entry runs daily in the last two opening hours.
The Reina Sofía: into the 20th century
Home to Picasso's Guernica, alongside Dalí and Miró — this is where the Golden Triangle picks up where the Prado's collection ends. Free entry hours exist here too, on different days and times than the Prado's.
The Thyssen: the connective thread
A single private collection spanning seven centuries, bridging the gap between the other two — useful for visitors who only have time for one museum but want a sense of the full sweep.
A combined pass
The Paseo del Arte ticket covers standard admission to all three at a discount versus buying separately, and is valid for a year — well suited to splitting the visit across two days rather than rushing it into one.