Madrid, Spain - Visiting The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

If you're planning a trip to Madrid, Spain then don't miss the "must see" Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. It's not only a must for art lovers but even if you have reservations about mulling around a museum, you'll appreciate the profound amount of exceptional art.

The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza is Madrid's newest art museum and though the name may be hard to pronounce, it's not hard to see why it draws thousands of tourists and locals every day. The collection got its start when the Spanish government purchased a wealthy family's art collection in the early 1990's for about $350 million. The Villahermosa Place, a late 18th century building, was renovated and used to house the extensive collection. The collection consists of over 700 works of art spanning over 700 years of art history, and many of them considered some of the best paintings in the world.

The collection is presented in chronological order, starting with the earliest works on the second floor of the main building and ending on the first floor with the 20th century works. The second floor starts with an Impressionist collection which has many original works of this type of art. It was a very new approach to art in the 19th century. Artists include Degas, Monet and Renoir and their spontaneous use of brush strokes is magical.

Also on the second floor is the Landscapes and vedute Gallery with noteworthy paintings of urban views and public spaces exemplifying architecture of the middle 18th century. Their views of Madrid, Rome, Naples and Padua will give you a glimpse of what the artists saw at the time of their works. On this floor is also a collection of 19th century North American artwork that is known for its realism in landscapes.

The North American artwork continues on to the 1st floor with late 19th century works of Hassam, Twachtman and Sargent who where more receptive to European Impressionist work of the time. A room is dedicated to late Impressionist work including Monet, Gauguin and arro. The collection on this floor moves on to the Post Impressionism and early 20th century German Expressionism.

There is a new building being built to house more of the original collection and new pieces. It will hold up to 200 more works of art and additional temporary exhibits. Trip to Costa Blanca and its beaches.

With all of this artwork and the amazing grounds of Villarhermosa Palace, art buffs will want to plan a day at the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Even if you're not an art lover, you'll appreciate the works and enjoy the urban break.