Madrid is famous for its Golden Triangle of Art - three museums and galleries that form the backbone of the city's artistic heritage. However, there are still a number of other institutions worth visiting while in the capital.
If you are starting off with the renowned Triangle and want to see the most impressive works Spanish masters have to offer, then the Queen Sofia Museum should be your first stop. The establishment houses paintings from two of the country's most famed artists - Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali.
Perhaps the most renowned work in the museum's collection is Picasso's Guernico - an anti-war memorial completed in response to the bombing of the Basque town during the Spanish Civil War.
While the Queen Sofia Museum is dedicated to Spanish artists, international talent is also represented, with works by Francis Bacon, Yves Tanguay, George Braques, Clyfford Still and Julian Schnabel all showcased.
The Prado Museum is the second point in the Triangle, with the institution boasting one of the most impressive collections of European art that can be found across the globe. It contains over 9,500 pieces, which need to be rotated in batches of 1,500 as there are simply too many to show at any one time.
Works from Diego Velazquez - a famous artist in the court of King Philip IV - are commonly available for viewing, as are various masterpieces from the Spanish Renaissance sculptor, painter and architect El Greco.
Last but not least is the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, which fills many of the gaps in the collections at the Prado and Sofia museums. The institution, which started off as a private portfolio in the 1920s, has a range of late 20th century American and European paintings and a wealth of Impressionist and Expressionist works.
While the Golden Triangle of Art remains a popular tourist attraction, those looking to delve a little deeper into museums off the beaten track may instead wish to visit the Sorolla Art Gallery.
This often overlooked establishment showcases the lifetime's work of Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida, a painter who completed exquisite landscapes and portraits. Also in the collection is a range of ceramics, furniture, jewellery and sculptures.
People hoping to catch a glimpse of the splendour of the Royal Palace will not be disappointed. The official residence of the royal family is often only used for state ceremonies nowadays and is open to the public for most of the year. Magnificent pieces of art adorn the walls of the building, with tourists invited to explore the banquet halls, royal library and armoury.
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