1 Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales
2 Museo de América
3 Museo Lázaro Galdiano
4 Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
5 Museo Sorolla
6 Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
7 Palacio Real
8 Parque del Retiro
9 Plaza Mayor
10 El Prado
One of the world's great museums, Museo del Prado is reorganizing its vast collection by expanding into three nearby buildings.
The Edificio Villanueva, the main building on the Paseo del Prado, will continue to house masterpieces by Bosch, Goya, El Greco, Murillo, Rubens, Titian, Velázquez and Zurbarán. Near by, the Antiguo Salón de Reinos will have 18th-century art and the Casón del Buen Retiro 19th-century works. In all, the Prado has over 8,000 paintings. To get the best out of a visit, focus on a favourite artist or era.
Not surprisingly, the range of Spanish art from the 11th to the 19th century is unparalleled, especially from the Siglo de Oro, the golden 17th century. Foremost was Velázquez (1599-1660), court painter to Felipe IV. His works, such as Las Meninas (The Maids of Honour) and Las Hilanderas (The Spinners) are turning points in the art of composition. A century later, Goya (1746-1828) was, arguably, even more influential. His range was extraordinary, from his naked Maja (Courtesan) to the Fusilamientos del 3 de mayo. This patriotic, passionate painting commemorates the heroism of the madrileño revolt against the French invaders in May 1808. Most disturbing of all are his 14 Pinturas Negras (Black Paintings) from the end of his life. Saturn devouring one of his sons and Witches' Sabbath make anything but comfortable viewing. Don't miss The Garden of Delights by the Flemish master Hieronymus Bosch (1450-1516). Despite years of academic study this allegorical triptych, portraying human frailties, has yet to be fully deciphered.Address: Paseo del Prado s/n
Phone: 91 330 29 00
Open: Tue-Sat 9-7, Sun, public hols 9-2. Closed Mon, also 1 Jan, Good Friday, 1 May, 25 Dec
Restaurant: Restaurant/café (Inexpensive)
Bus: 9, 10, 14, 19, 27, 34, 37, 45
Metro: Atocha, Banco de España
Accessible: Good
Admission: Cheap; free under-18, over-65; Sat 2:30-7, Sun 9-2
Other: Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
Practical: Bonoarte ticket: reduced rate for Prado, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. For the latest changes at the Prado, check their website: www.prado.com
Info: Calle del Duque de Medinaceli 2 Phone: 91 429 49 51
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