El Prado(The Prado)
El Prado is Spain's most renowned art museum and ranks alongside France's La Louvre and England's National Gallery. What began as the collection of Spain's royalty has now turned into a collection of over 8,500 works by top-notch Italian, Flemish, French, German and - of course - Spanish artists. Spanish artists Diego Velázquez, Francisco Goya and El Greco have a huge presence in El Prado, along with foreigners such as Van der Weyden and Bosch.
Paseo del Prado
Madrid
(Tel) 913 30 28 00
Website: museoprado.mcu.es
(Queen Sofía National Art Museum)
If you're looking for a more contemporary edge, the Reina Sofía is the gem of Spain's modern art scene. Boasting works from the 19th through 21st centuries, it's the place to be for painting, sculpture and multimedia exhibits. You'll find an incredible representation of cubism and surrealism on the second floor, while the fourth floor focuses on abstract and pop art. Get ready to immerse yourself in the worlds of Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Luis Buñuel, Juan Gris, Joan Miró and many more!
Calle Santa Isabel, 52
Madrid
(Tel) 917 74 10 00
Website: www.museoreinasofia.es
(Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum)
The massive Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is the only private collection on Madrid's so-called "Avenue of the Arts." While El Prado boasts primarily Spanish works, the Thyssen has a huge Italian, German and Flemish artistic presence. Spanning from primitive 8th century pieces to the hip Pop Art of the 20th century, the Thyssen essentially boasts all of the major trends Western art history's lengthy trajectory.
Paseo del Prado, 8
Madrid
(Tel) 914 20 39 44
Website: www.museothyssen.org
(Bilbao Guggenheim Museum)
Bilbao's funky Guggenheim Museum is every bit as interesting outside as it is inside. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the museum - made of glass, titanium and limestone - is a jumble of creative forms and smooth contours. The museum within features modern and contemporary artwork ranging from paintings and sculptures to fascinating multimedia installations. While the building itself is a highlight, be sure to browse through the Fish room, a gallery with large-scale iron sculptures created by minimalist sculptor Richard Serra.
Avenida Abandoibarra, 2
Bilbao
(Tel) 944 35 90 80
Website: www.guggenheim-bilbao.es
(Prince Felipe Museum of Science)
Found within one of the sleek, futuristic buildings of Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences, the Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe is one of the world's few museums in which it's frowned upon if you don't go around touching everything you see! The museum incorporates the very latest in technology, endless activities and experiments, interactive exhibits, a fascinating program of events and much more in a one-of-a-kind approach to the world of science.
Ciutat de les Arts i de les Ciències
Avenida Autopista del Saler, 3-7
Valencia
(Tel) 902 10 00 31
Website: www.cac.es/museu/home
(Málaga Picasso Museum)
What better place to learn about the life and works of Pablo Picasso than right in his childhood city: Málaga. Located just a stone's throw from his childhood home (also open to the public), the Picasso Museum came to being thanks to Picasso's family members and descendents who donated their personal collections to the foundation. You'll find a wide range of paintings, sketches, drawings, engravings, ceramics, sculptures and more spanning the entirety of Picasso's prolific career.
Palacio de Buenavista
Calle San Agustín, 8
Málaga
(Tel) 952 12 76 00
Website: www.museopicassomalaga.org
(Picasso Museum)
As one of Spain's most revered sons, it's no surprise that there are Picasso museums scattered around the country! Check out a massive collection of Pablo Picasso's works right here in Barcelona's most visited museum. Emphasizing his early artistic development leading up to his signature Cubist style, the Picasso Museum's highlights include works from his Blue Period as well as a series of creative reinterpretations of Diego Velázquez's famous Las Meninas.
Calle Montcada, 15-23
Barcelona
(Tel) 932 56 03 00
Website: www.museupicasso.bcn.es/index.htm
Teatre-Museu Dalí(Dalí Theater-Museum)
Known as the largest surrealist object in the world, this museum - one of Spain's most popular - celebrates the works of Salvador Dalí. The extravagant theater-turned-museum, designed by Dalí himself, boasts the world's broadest range of works spanning Dalí's lengthy and celebrated artistic career.
Plaza Gala-Salvador Dalí, 5
Figueres
(Tel) 972 67 75 00
Website: www.salvador-dali.org
(Archaeological Museum of Alicante)
Gone are the dusty pots and lifeless displays sitting in dull glass cases. Instead, the award-winning MARQ puts a whole new spin on archaeology with interactive exhibits, recreated Roman ships, elaborate stagings, audiovisual projects and the very latest in technology.
Plaza Doctor Gómez Ulla
Alicante
(Tel) 965 14 90 00
Website: www.marqalicante.com
