Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: Mauritshuis Love Story – Celebrating Dutch Golden Age Masterpieces

This exhibition showcases an exceptional collection of 17th-century Dutch masterpieces from the Mauritshuis in The Hague, presented in a new exhibition space at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. It highlights the historical connection between the Thyssen family and Dutch art, featuring works by Vermeer, Hals, Rembrandt, and others, organized thematically.

The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Mauritshuis in The Hague are collaborating on a unique exhibition, simultaneously exchanging twenty-five prominent works from their permanent collections. In Madrid, an exceptional ensemble of 17th-century Dutch masterpieces, including Johannes Vermeer's 'View of Delft' (c. 1660-1661), is displayed in the newly created 'Salas Clásicas' exhibition space. This presentation offers a more complete vision of the remarkable and fertile 17th century in Dutch art. The Thyssen-Bornemisza family's ties to the Netherlands date back to the early 20th century, with Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza settling in The Hague. His passion for Dutch painting, a brilliant chapter in his collecting history, was continued by his son, Hans Heinrich, who focused his early acquisitions in the 1950s on 17th-century Dutch masters. The current collection of 17th-century Dutch paintings is a significant asset to the museum, complementing the Spanish art landscape. The works from Mauritshuis span from approximately 1615 to 1705 and include artists such as Ambrosius Bosschaert I, Frans Hals, Hendrick Avercamp, Pieter Claesz, Rembrandt van Rijn, Gerard ter Borch, Jan Steen, Jacob Ruisdael, Pieter de Hooch, and Nicolaes Maes. They are displayed thematically: the first room features still lifes and genre paintings, the second presents landscapes and figure compositions, and the third is dedicated solely to Vermeer's 'View of Delft'. Additionally, three paintings from the Thyssen collections are displayed alongside comparable works from Mauritshuis, including pieces by Jan Brueghel the Elder, Gerard van Honthorst, and Pieter Jansz. Saenredam, highlighting thematic and visual connections.

Admission to the 'Salas Clásicas' is included in the general museum entrance fee from Tuesday to Sunday. On Mondays, access to the museum is free of charge, thanks to sponsorship from Mastercard. Further details on reduced and free admission can be found on the museum's visitor information page.