Reina Sofía temporary exhibitions
Alongside its extensive permanent collection, the Reina Sofía Museum runs an active programme of temporary exhibitions that makes every visit a different experience. If you already know Guernica and the Picasso, Miró and Dalí rooms, there is always something new to discover in the galleries dedicated to seasonal shows. Here is everything you need to understand how the programme works and how to make the most of it.
What temporary exhibitions are
Temporary exhibitions are monographic or thematic shows that the museum presents for a limited period, typically between two and six months. Unlike the permanent collection, whose layout may vary but whose major works remain stable, temporary exhibitions change completely: they bring works from museums around the world, propose new readings of artists already represented in the collection or spotlight contemporary creators the museum wants to bring to the fore. Each season the Reina Sofía presents several parallel exhibitions of different scope and format.
The temporary programme is one of the reasons why many visitors return to the museum: those who know the permanent collection well come back when an exhibition of interest complements or extends what they have already seen. The Reina Sofía has a long tradition of major retrospectives and exhibitions that connect modern art with its surrounding historical and political context.
Where they are: Edificio Nouvel and Edificio Sabatini
The Reina Sofía occupies two large buildings with complementary roles.
- Edificio Sabatini: the historic building — the former eighteenth-century General Hospital of Madrid, converted into a museum. It houses the permanent collection on its second and fourth floors, and some of its galleries also stage medium-format temporary exhibitions. The Guernica room is on the second floor of this building.
- Edificio Nouvel: the extension added in 2005, designed by the architect Jean Nouvel, with its distinctive lacquered-red steel-and-glass canopy visible from the street. The Nouvel was conceived specifically for large-format exhibitions: its galleries are more open-plan, with the height and flexibility needed for large-scale installations. The most ambitious temporary exhibitions are held here.
- Palacio de Cristal and Palacio de Velázquez (Retiro Park): although not in the main building, these two spaces within the Retiro are part of the Reina Sofía and are used as venues for temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, especially large-format installations. Entry to these Retiro exhibitions is always free.
Are they included in the general ticket?
In most cases, yes. The general admission ticket (€12 for adults; free for under-18s) gives access to both the permanent collection and the temporary exhibitions held in the Edificio Sabatini and the Edificio Nouvel. There is no additional charge to see whatever is on that day.
Only in exceptional cases — for especially large-scale exhibitions that involve extraordinary loans from international museums or very costly productions — will the museum set a separate admission price. When this happens it is clearly stated on the museum's website, in the exhibition publicity and at the ticket desk before you buy. In practice, however, everything is normally included in the general ticket price.
Exhibitions at the Palacio de Cristal and the Palacio de Velázquez in the Retiro are always free, regardless of whether you have a ticket to the main museum.
How the programme changes through the year
The Reina Sofía structures its programme in seasons, with major openings concentrated in autumn (September–October) and spring (February–March). In summer the pace slows, though the museum remains open with the permanent collection and any exhibitions already under way. Each exhibition has its own run: major retrospectives may last several months; shorter shows or residency projects may run for just a few weeks.
This rhythm means that two visits to the Reina Sofía six months apart can be very different experiences, even for someone who knows the permanent collection by heart. It is one of the features that sets the Reina Sofía apart from museums with more static collections.
How to check what's on before your visit
- Museum website: the exhibitions section of museoreinasofia.es lists all current and upcoming shows with dates, descriptions and their location within the building.
- Social media: the museum publishes openings and the activity calendar well in advance on Instagram and X (Twitter).
- Newsletter: the Reina Sofía offers a free subscription to its activities bulletin — the most convenient way to stay up to date without having to search actively.
- At the ticket desk: on the day of your visit, staff at the ticket desk can tell you what is on and suggest the most interesting route based on your preferences.
Tips for getting the most from a temporary exhibition
- Arrive at opening time: temporary exhibitions tend to be less busy first thing. The most crowded rooms are always those of the permanent collection (above all the Guernica room); the temporary galleries are usually quieter even at peak hours.
- Read the press release: the museum publishes introductory texts for each exhibition on its website. Reading a single page before your visit transforms the experience: it provides context without giving anything away.
- Audio guides and guided tours: for the most significant exhibitions, the museum usually offers an audio guide or group guided tours at a reduced price. Ask when you buy your ticket.
- Closed on Tuesdays: the Reina Sofía closes on Tuesdays. Plan your visit for any other day of the week.
Book your Reina Sofía ticket
The general ticket covers the permanent collection and all current temporary exhibitions. Book in advance to skip the ticket queue.
See available tickets →Frequently asked questions
Are the temporary exhibitions included in the ticket?
Yes, in the vast majority of cases. The general ticket (€12) covers the permanent collection and the temporary exhibitions in the building. Only occasionally do some shows carry a separate charge, and this is always clearly indicated.
Where are the temporary exhibitions inside the museum?
Mainly in the Edificio Nouvel, which was designed specifically for this purpose, and in some galleries of the Edificio Sabatini. Exhibitions at the Palacio de Cristal and the Palacio de Velázquez in the Retiro are free and form part of the Reina Sofía's programme.
How often do the exhibitions change?
The museum renews its programme several times a year, with major openings in autumn and spring. Each exhibition runs for between two and six months on average. Check the museum's website to see what is on when you plan to visit.
Content reviewed by the Ticket Visit team · June 2026.