This fabulous collection of paintings is housed in the Palacio
de Villahermosa (19th century), which was completely remodelled
by the architect Rafael Moneo specifically to house its nearly
800 paintings. The collection was begun in 1920 by the present
Baron von Thyssen-Bornemisza's father, who upon his death
distributed the work among his various heirs. Keen to reunite
his father's collection, the present Baron bought back most
of the works from his relatives and then proceeded to acquire
large numbers of new works to produce what is one of the world's
finest private art collections.
The museum was opened in 1992 after
an agreement was reached between the Baron and the Spanish government,
originally as a loan, but a year later the collection was bought
outright.
Departure time: 10 am
Arrival time: 1 pm
Lunch not included
