Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum announces major contemporary art expansion

The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum in Madrid is set to undergo its largest expansion in history following an agreement between collector Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza, the Spanish Government, and the museum. The deal involves the donation of 186 contemporary artworks from the TBA21 Collection and a long-term loan of 179 additional pieces.

The total value of the commitment to the Spanish State is estimated at approximately 100 million euros, including previous historical loans. The new works, which include pieces by artists such as Ai Weiwei, Marina Abramović, and Olafur Eliasson, focus on themes like ecology and social justice.

The expansion will be housed in a new facility located in the former Palacio del Hielo y del Automóvil on Calle Duque de Medinaceli, a building provided and rehabilitated by the Ministry of Finance. This move aims to integrate contemporary artistic practices with the museum’s existing centuries-old collection.