Curatorial Note
Carmen Laffón: The Story Behind the Exhibition
Staged inside the distinguished galleries of Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, 'Carmen Laffón: Variaciones' brings into sharp focus the compelling artistic vision of Carmen Laffón. As one of the highlight presentations of the cultural calendar, this exhibition offers visitors an unforgettable encounter with key masterworks and pivotal creative breakthroughs. The Thyssen Museum presents a major posthumous exhibition of Carmen Laffón, showcasing 77 works including oils, charcoals, and sculptures. View over 60 years of her career through themes like the cradle, Doñana, salt flats, and vineyards.
The curatorial narrative examines the aesthetic evolution of Carmen Laffón, highlighting the nuanced handling of light, palette, and spatial rhythm. By assembling rare loans alongside signature works, the presentation reveals how the artist continually reshaped European visual culture.
Surrounded by the monumental architecture of Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, the installation establishes a luminous, contemplative atmosphere. Each gallery room has been thoughtfully paced to provide art enthusiasts and curious travelers with an inspiring and immersive museum experience.
Curatorial Perspective
The Thyssen Museum presents a major posthumous exhibition of Carmen Laffón, showcasing 77 works including oils, charcoals, and sculptures. View over 60 years of her career through themes like the cradle, Doñana, salt flats, and vineyards.
Curatorial Premise
A comprehensive exploration of the visual revolution and aesthetic mastery of Carmen Laffón.
“This exhibition invites audiences to look beyond traditional boundaries and discover the rich emotional depth of Carmen Laffón's creations.”
MN
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza Curatorial Department
Chief Curatorial Team
Curated Room-by-Room Walkthrough
Thematic Journey & Exhibition Rooms
01 Origins
Formative Years & Early Vision
Early exploratory works and seminal influences that laid the groundwork for future mastery.
02 Core Masterpieces
The Height of Mastery
The definitive mid-career triumphs where technical virtuosity and emotional power reached their zenith.
03 Monumental Vista
Enduring Legacy & Dialogue
The lasting resonance of this artistic journey set in dialogue with the permanent collections of Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Key Highlights
Featured Exhibition Masterpieces
2026 Featured Masterpiece: Carmen Laffón: Variaciones
Curated Exhibition Highlight
The centerpiece of the exhibition, epitomizing the formal command and expressive brilliance of Carmen Laffón.
Artistic Study Preparatory Studies & Cartoons
Archival & Curatorial Selection
Intimate preparatory drawings revealing the artist's structural methodology and draftsmanship.
Permanent Setting Exhibition Gallery Installation
Gallery & Spatial Perspective
The luminous curatorial staging inside the historic gallery chambers of Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza.
OFFICIAL TICKETS & ADMISSION
Select Your Tickets & Timeslot
WHAT YOU WILL SEE
Key Masterpieces & Exhibition Highlights
- ✓Admission to the permanent collection
- ✓Audio guide for the thematic tours (in English or Spanish)
- ✓Audio guide for Permanent Collection and the 10 Masterpieces (in Spanish, English, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean)
Practical Visitor Information
Everything you need to know before visiting Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
Opening Hours
Mon - Sun: 09:00 - 18:00
Last entry 45 min before closing Public Transit
Metro / Bus station nearby
Recommended Duration
approx. 1.5 - 2 hours
Average visit duration The Museum
Explore Museum Guide & Permanent Collection → Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
What started in the 1920s as a private art collection, is now a museum which is part of Madrid's renowned 'Golden Triangle of Art'. Famed for the breadth of its works, you'll find works by Van Gogh, Goya, Hans Holbein The Younger, Titian, Kandinsky, Jackson Pollock, and many more here. Many masters are represented by only a single painting, as the focus of the collection is not on a single artist but the overarching evolution of art. The museum offers a chance to sample a very large array of heavyweights under a single roof.
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