Museo de Arte Reina Sofia - Madrid
The southwest side of the Sabatini building is where the Reina Sofia reveals its uniquely modern identity, thanks to French architect Jean Nouvel. In 1999, Nouvel designed this addition in an attempt to open more space for the museum’s permanent collection. Since its inauguration in October 2005, the annex has stopped people in their tracks. Nouvel’s ultra-sleek creation is itself an extension of the art found inside the museum.
Like Picasso’s Guernica, the exterior of the Reina Sofia is unexpected and awe-inspiring, even a bit unsettling. Long gone is the classic white interior of the museum. Now you find yourself in a disjointed, Alice in Wonderland-type courtyard with towering black and crimson slanted walls surrounding a central plaza, where a lone Lichtenstein sculpture, Brushstroke, holds court. A blazing red lacquered triangle canopy, illuminated by open sky panels, hovers over the entire plaza. Meant to provide a bit of a respite from the harsh Spanish sun, in winter its dark hues create a cavernous scarlet retreat, further adding to its mystique.
Atop the Nouvel building is a sweeping terraza, where visitors can catch their breath and relax, with nothing but a modest glass plane between you and the open air. Although still under the burgundy roof, the top deck boasts striking views of Atocha Train Station and Madrid’s old barrios, complete with stylish balconies and romantic spires.
Museo de Arte Reina Sofia - Madrid
The southwest side of the Sabatini building is where the Reina Sofia reveals its uniquely modern identity, thanks to French architect Jean Nouvel. In 1999, Nouvel designed this addition in an attempt to open more space for the museum’s permanent collection. Since its inauguration in October 2005, the annex has stopped people in their tracks. Nouvel’s ultra-sleek creation is itself an extension of the art found inside the museum.
Like Picasso’s Guernica, the exterior of the Reina Sofia is unexpected and awe-inspiring, even a bit unsettling. Long gone is the classic white interior of the museum. Now you find yourself in a disjointed, Alice in Wonderland-type courtyard with towering black and crimson slanted walls surrounding a central plaza, where a lone Lichtenstein sculpture, Brushstroke, holds court. A blazing red lacquered triangle canopy, illuminated by open sky panels, hovers over the entire plaza. Meant to provide a bit of a respite from the harsh Spanish sun, in winter its dark hues create a cavernous scarlet retreat, further adding to its mystique.
Atop the Nouvel building is a sweeping terraza, where visitors can catch their breath and relax, with nothing but a modest glass plane between you and the open air. Although still under the burgundy roof, the top deck boasts striking views of Atocha Train Station and Madrid’s old barrios, complete with stylish balconies and romantic spires.