Best time to visit the Reina Sofía Museum
The museum closes on Tuesdays. To see Guernica (room 205.10) in peace, go first thing (10:00 opening) on a weekday, from Wednesday to Friday. Avoid weekend lunchtimes and the free evening slots (19:00–21:00), which draw the biggest crowds.
Walk straight in at your chosen time
Book your ticket and pick the slot you prefer, with direct entry and instant confirmation.
Buy ticket (from €12) →Remember: the Reina Sofía closes on Tuesdays
Before you organise anything, be clear about one thing: the Reina Sofía Museum closes on Tuesdays. It is the most common mistake among first-time visitors. The rest of the week it opens Monday and Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00, and Sundays from 10:00 to 14:30. If you want plenty of time, avoid Sunday: it closes mid-morning.
The best time: first thing on a weekday
The quietest slot is the 10:00 opening, from Wednesday to Friday. At that hour the tour groups have not yet arrived and you can walk the second floor of the Sabatini building —where Picasso's Guernica hangs— almost empty. Arrive a few minutes before opening and head straight up to room 205.10.
If you cannot go in the morning, the last hour before closing (from around 20:00 on the days the museum stays open until 21:00) also tends to be clearer, unless it overlaps with the free slot.
When it is busiest
- Weekend lunchtimes: Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 to 14:00 are the peak.
- Free evening slots: Monday and Wednesday to Saturday from 19:00 to 21:00 fill up, and the queue in front of Guernica grows longer.
- Sunday from 12:30 to 14:30: a free slot and, on top of that, right before the Sunday closing time.
- Special free days: 18 April, 18 and 22 May, 12 October and 6 December.
Reina Sofía Museum opening hours
| Mon & Wed–Sat | 10:00–21:00 |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 10:00–14:30 |
| Closed | Tuesdays and some public holidays |
| Best slot | 10:00 opening, Wednesday to Friday |
Last updated: June 2026. Hours may change; please confirm before your visit.
See Guernica in peace (and photograph it)
Guernica is in room 205.10 of the Sabatini building, second floor. It is an oil painting of 3.49 × 7.77 metres painted in 1937. Since September 2023 you may photograph it without flash, without a tripod and without a selfie stick. First thing in the morning you can contemplate and photograph it without jostling. If you want to understand its context in the room, a guided tour answers all your questions on the spot.
Would you rather be shown around by a guide?
The guided tour includes admission, skips the queue and takes you straight to Guernica and the avant-garde rooms.
Book guided tour (from €29) →Our experience picking the right time to visit
We have walked into the Reina Sofía at different times and on different days to find out first-hand when it shows best. These are the timing tips that genuinely work.
- Opening (10:00) Wednesday to Friday is the calmest slot. At that hour you can stand almost alone in front of Guernica before the groups arrive.
- Avoid weekend midday and the free 19:00–21:00 slot. Those are the two busiest moments; the free-entry queue forms even before the door opens.
- Remember it closes on Tuesdays. Plan any other day: it opens Monday and Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00, and Sundays only until 14:30.
- In high season, book a timed slot. The early-hour spots sell out; buying online with a specific time guarantees you get in when the museum is emptiest.
Travellers who book, visit and double-check every detail against official sources. Last reviewed: June 2026. Been to the Reina Sofía? Tell us about your visit →
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit the Reina Sofía?
First thing, at the 10:00 opening, from Wednesday to Friday. There are fewer visitors and you will see Guernica (room 205.10) in peace. Avoid weekend lunchtimes and the free evening slots from 19:00 to 21:00.
Which day is the museum closed?
It closes on Tuesdays. It opens Monday and Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00, and Sundays from 10:00 to 14:30.
When is it busiest?
At weekend lunchtimes and during the free slots: Monday and Wednesday to Saturday from 19:00 to 21:00, and Sundays from 12:30 to 14:30.
Can I photograph Guernica?
Yes, since September 2023, without flash, tripod or selfie stick. First thing in the morning you will have more peace to do so.