Detailed Guide to Exploring the Architectural Grandeur of Reina Sofia

The home of Pablo Picasso's masterpiece, Guernica, Reina Sofía National Art Centre in Madrid, officially Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Spanish, is an architectural showpiece itself. Constructed as a hospital in the sixteenth century, Reina Sofía underwent frequent renovation, adding new perspectives. It’s an architecture marvel infusing history with modernity. Read on to learn more about the Reina Sofia’s unique architecture.

Who Built/Designed the Reina Sofia?
José de Hermosilla: One of the most iconic architects of the mid-eighteenth century, José de Hermosilla was the initial architect for the project. He was tasked with constructing a field hospital for Madrid.

Francisco Sabatini: The main building of Reina Sofia is named after the Italian architect Francisco Sabatini. An astute follower of Italian neoclassical architecture style, Sabatini envisioned the building in a typical neoclassical style.

Antonio Fernández Alba: The legendary architect Antonio Fernández Alba headed the restoration work of Reina Sofia in 1980. The work mainly concentrated on transforming the hospital building into a functional space for exhibitions.

José Luis Iñiguez de Onzoño: The notable rationalist style architect José Luis Iñiguez de Onzoño partnered with Antonio Vázquez de Castro to give Reina Sofia a facelift in 1988. It was their proposal to bring the expertise of British architect Ian Ritchie to build the steel and glass elevator towers.
Jean Nouvel: The contemporary French architect Jean Nouvel constructed the newly opened Nouvel Building in 2005. Known as the Shadow of Reina Sofia, the new exhibition space complements the old building without upstaging it.

Structure of Reina Sofia

As Reina Sofia was originally a hospital in somber neoclassical architectural style, it blends seamlessly with other classic designs from the eighteenth century. The hospital was shut down in 1965, and Reina Sofia remained a puzzle to be solved. Some proposals called for its demolition, but the building was salvaged by a royal decree declaring it a national monument in 1977. Restoration works in 1980 saw the face of the building change dramatically, thanks to well-known architects who added their imprints. The distinctively looking building is an amalgamation of the laid-back neoclassical style. However, in 1988, three new slab-sided glass and steel elevators were added to the facade, completely changing the perspective of the building. The newest addition is an extension known as the Nouvel Building, constructed by architect Jean Nouvel. It follows a very modern design with a large aluminum roof.

The Exterior and Interior of Reina Sofia
The exterior of Reina Sofia retains much of the original neoclassical architecture of the hospital, except for the three colossal steel and glass elevator towers. The exterior is typical of classical architecture, sporting a symmetrical facade and grand proportions in line with traditional styles. However, the newly built Nouvel Building is modern and contemporary, though it acts as a shadow of the main building. The museum also features a central courtyard and plenty of public spaces. The interior architecture of Reina Sofia was altered many times to accommodate the needs of exhibits. Originally a hospital, the building underwent several restoration projects under the supervision of visionary architects, resulting in interior changes. Today, elements of both the hospital and contemporary design remain, creating a fusion of styles.