Created in 1988, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection Foundation pioneered a new formula for the private management of public assets in Spain, and its efficacy has been apparent ever since the museum opened its doors in October 1992. Since that time, both the museum and the foundation that manages it have grown and evolved, expanding the collections and facilities with the addition of the Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection as a long-term loan in 2004 and the extension of the Villahermosa Palace, as well as increasing the number and variety of activities, temporary exhibitions and educational programmes. The team of people who makes the institution’s daily existence possible has also been augmented, but the motor that keeps the foundation running smoothly has always been their drive and motivation.
Designed by the team of architects Manuel Baquero, Robert Brufau and the BOPBAA Studio (Josep Bohigas, Francesc Pla and Iñaki Baquero), the starting-point for the project was the structure and layout of the Museum. The overall intention, in combination with the museological project, was to turn the old and new building into a single space that could share activities and circulation. With this aim in mind the two buildings adjoining the Palacio de Villahermosa were partly demolished but maintaining the space at the back and the façade in order to remodel it and locate offices in this new area, a function that best suited the residential nature of these buildings. As a result the architects were able to maintain the relationship of the old façades with the surrounding area while the work undertaken freed up part of the old site in order to construct a specially-designed modern building for public use in the form of exhibition galleries. The final result is an L-shaped building that is principally occupied by offices and internal services, and which surrounds a new building connected to the Palacio de Villahermosa and used for exhibition space. The expansion thus combines respect for the original part of its rear façade with the modern exterior of the new building, whose interior distribution has been designed to continue the layout of the palatial rooms created by Rafael Moneo inside the historic Palacio de Villahermosa.
Adresse:
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
mtb@museothyssen.org
Palacio de Villahermosa, Paseo del Prado 8
Madrid, 28014 Spain
Telephon: (+34) 91 369 01 51
E-Mail: mtb@museothyssen.org
Opening times:
The permanent collection is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10am to 7pm. Closed on Mondays. Please check the section below of Notices and Special Openings.
Internet:
www.museothyssen.org
