The Carmen Thyssen Andorra Museum is part of one of the most important private collections in the world, known as the Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection. Who is Carmen Thyssen (also known as Carmen Tita Cervera)? She is the widow of entrepreneur and art collector Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza. Internationally renowned as an art dealer and collector, the Spanish socialite is also renowned for her philanthropic work. Located in Escaldes-Engordany, one of the seven parishes that make up the Principality of Andorra, the gallery mainly showcases paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries and has been set up on the ground floor of the former Hôtel Valira. Inaugurated in 2017, the museum's reputation is largely due to its temporary exhibitions, which are renewed every year. Today, the museum is the most visited in the country. Interestingly, it is the first international museum to be created from the private collection of Carmen Thyssen.
The Carmen Thyssen Museum in Andorra.
- © Alberto Zamorano / Shutterstock
Over several decades, Baron and Baroness Thyssen-Bornemisza assembled a large number of works of art. This collection is considered to be the second largest private collection in the world after the Royal British Collection!
The paintings are organised around two major geographical themes: Europe (with a penchant for Spain) and the United States. The collection contains particularly relevant works of art representing three artistic movements: Impressionism, Post-Impressionism and Expressionism.
Exhibitions at the Carmen Thyssen Museum change frequently
- © dmitro2009 / ShutterstockRamon Casas i Carbo is the most famous artist in the museum's permanent exhibition. Born in Barcelona, Ramon Casas (1866-1932) devoted much of his life to portraits, painting a wide variety of faces from European high society. However, he also excelled as a graphic artist, creating posters for magazines and establishments.
Andorra
Among the best-known works is that of Santiago Rusiñol i Prats (1861-1931) with his painting 'Pati i figura'. One of the great friends of Ramon Casas i Carbó (mentioned above) and also a painter, poet and playwright, he was one of the most prolific artists of his generation, creating over a thousand paintings. He was also one of the first representatives of the Catalan modern style, painting bucolic landscapes and scenes from everyday life.
The museum also features a number of works by Joaquim Mir i Trinxet, including 'Prats de Santa Coloma, Andorra', a highly colourful painting in the post-impressionist style.
For 2023, the exhibition will feature an exhibit called "Colors and Emotions".
- © dmitro2009 / ShutterstockLaureà Barrau Buñol (1863-1957) also caused a sensation with his painting "A l'era, batent". Known as Laureano Barrau, the painter was born in Barcelona and was one of the great names of Spanish Impressionism. After studying with the master Jean-Léon Gérôme in Paris, he devoted himself to painting country landscapes.
From 10/02/23 to 07/01/24, the museum is hosting its seventh exhibition, entitled "Khrôma". It highlights colours and emotions. As well as its artistic aspect, it invites visitors to understand sensations through 34 works by 35 19th-century artists. Pop and contemporary art are nuanced by colours ranging from monochrome to polychrome.
This year, the public will be able to admire, among the range of blues, one of the works of the famous Russian painter Wassily Kandinsky and, alongside him, many other artists from all over the world.
The main entrance to the Carmen Thyssen Museum.
- © martin SC photo / ShutterstockAs mentioned in the introduction, the Carmen Thyssen Andorra Museum stands out for its constantly evolving collection. As a result, it's important to research the temporary exhibition before your visit!
👉 Choose the day
The museum is open every day (except Mondays), from 10am to 6pm. There is a small exception on Saturdays, when the museum closes at 7pm, and on Sundays at 2pm.
👛 Discounts
A ticket to visit the Carmen Thyssen Andorra Museum costs €9, but entry is free for children under 18. It also offers a reduced price (5 euros) for people over 65 and under 26 (or student card holders).
👉 The outside of the museum
The Valira is a former hotel and spa establishment which, although it closed its doors in 2000, remains one of the most important buildings in the Les Escaldes district thanks to its history and architecture.
👉 The granite building was designed in 1933 by the architect Pere Celestí Gusi i Rossell, a disciple of Josep Puig i Cadafalch - one of the great figures of modern architecture.
