Carmen and Sabina Thyssen-Bornemisza turn 20, each following a unique direction. Their education, interests, and family ties reflect the evolving legacy of the Thyssen family. The twins’ next steps draw attention in Spain.
The 20th birthday of Carmen and Sabina Thyssen-Bornemisza highlights a new chapter for the heirs of one of Spain’s most prominent art dynasties. Born in Los Angeles in July 2006, the twins have grown up under public attention, but now step into adulthood with sharply different ambitions and roles within the family’s cultural legacy. Their recent celebration at Mas Mañanas, the family’s residence in Sant Feliú de Guixols, comes as their mother, the baronesa Thyssen, continues her recovery from a recent illness, according to ¡HOLA!.
Carmen, after initially considering business and international relations, has shifted her focus to law, a field she now finds deeply engaging. She has completed her academic year with strong results and is already involved in the planning of the future Barcelona museum, scheduled to open in 2028. This project is seen as a key step in continuing the Thyssen family’s influence on Spain’s cultural landscape. Sabina, meanwhile, has chosen a more creative path, dedicating herself to art and design studies. She prefers to remain out of the public spotlight, focusing on illustration, music, and language learning, and is described by her mother as the more free-spirited of the two.
Their contrasting personalities—Carmen’s structured approach and Sabina’s artistic independence—have not diminished their close bond. Both have spoken about the importance of mutual support, with Carmen emphasizing the privilege and responsibility of carrying forward her mother’s legacy, and Sabina highlighting the value of pursuing personal passions over conventional expectations. Their upbringing has included a multilingual education and training in music, ballet, and the arts, reflecting the family’s commitment to cultural excellence.
Over the years, the twins have appeared on numerous ¡HOLA! covers, documenting milestones from their early childhood to their recent transition into adulthood. Key moments include their baptism, first steps, family holidays, and their first interview after turning 18, given from their home in Andorra. The baronesa has consistently expressed her wish for her daughters to find their own paths, without imposing specific expectations, though Carmen has shown a clear interest in managing the family’s museums and cultural projects.
In January 2025, Carmen and Sabina appeared on the cover of ¡HOLA! without their mother for the first time, signaling a generational shift. Carmen described this period as an opportunity to combine her studies with hands-on involvement in projects that motivate her. Sabina, for her part, noted her mother’s encouragement to avoid conventional routes and focus on what truly inspires her. In September, Carmen received the Gen H “Nueva Generación en el Arte” award, recognizing her commitment to fostering youth engagement in the arts and her intention to create an open, participatory cultural environment.
The Thyssen twins’ story unfolds against the backdrop of Spain’s evolving cultural scene, where family legacies and new generations intersect. Their journey is reminiscent of other notable figures who have shaped local communities, such as the long-serving mayor of Chercos, whose decades of service were recently commemorated in a feature on enduring public legacies.
As the Thyssen-Bornemisza family prepares for the next phase, the twins’ distinct choices reflect broader trends in Spain’s approach to heritage, education, and personal development. Their multilingual skills, artistic training, and commitment to both tradition and innovation position them as influential figures in the country’s cultural future. The opening of the Barcelona museum in 2028 is expected to further cement the family’s role in shaping Spain’s art world, while the twins’ individual pursuits continue to attract public and media interest.
