One of the world’s greatest art museums in the world, Prado Museum features the greatest collections of European paintings from 11th-18th centuries. Include Prado Museum in your itinerary when traveling to Spain. You will be surprised of what’s waiting for you inside the museum.
1. Location
Prado Museum is conveniently located in central Madrid. This is one of the most visited museums in Spain. Tourists don’t skip the chance to get a closer look at the finest art galleries in the world. The museum has lots of restaurants and hotels nearby so, this is easily accessible to every visitor.
2. History
Source: Carlos Reusser Monsalvez
In 1785, the Prado Museum was designed by architect Juan de Villanueva to house the National History Cabinet as ordered by King Charles III. Then, it became the Royal Museum of Paintings and Sculptures. Later, it was renamed as National Museum of Paintings and Sculptures. In November 1819, the Museo Nacional Del Prado became open to the public.
3. Construction
The overall construction of the museum lasted for more than 30 years. It was even interrupted at the time of Napoleonic Wars. The area was made as a headquarters for cavalry and gunpowder storage for the Napoleonic troops that were based in Madrid. Despite the interruption, it was completed by under Ferdinand VII.
4. Special Exhibitions
From November 2011 to MArch 2012, around 179 artworks were brought from Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg to be displayed in Prado Museum. Among these include A Scholar by Rembrandt, Ecstasy of Saint Teresa by Bernini, The Lute Player by Caravaggio and many other renowned masterpieces from around the world.
5. Collections
Magnificent and powerful works of art in the museum include Adam and Eve by Albrecht Durer, The Holy Trinity by El Greco, The Descent From The Cross by Roger van der Weyden, Christ Washing the Disciples’ Feet by Tintoretto and much more. The collections are well-preserved and kept safely inside the museum.
6. Nearby Museums
The Golden Triangle of Art includes the three most essential art museums in central Madrid. The three museums are Museo del Prado, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Other nearby museums are Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, Museo Arqueológico Nacional, and Museo Naval de Madrid.
7. Nearby Hotels
For tourists convenience, there are various hotels situated near Prado Museum. These include Hotel Ritz, NH Collection Paseo del Prado, Raddison Blu Hotel Madrid Prado, Mercure Madrid Centro, Villa Rito Nou, Los Jeronimos and more. Each hotel may differ in facilities, amenities, and prices. Check out what is suitable for you.
8. Directors
Source: Royal Opera House Covent Garden
Most directors are also art historians that have contributed their artworks to the Prado Museum. These are Pablo Ruiz Picasso, Jose Idiaquez Carvajal, Jose de Madrazo, Ramon Perez de Ayala, Fernando Alvarez de Sotomayor, Jose Manuel Pita Andrade, Miguel Zugaza Miranda and more. These directors have made their names truly remarkable.
9. Madrid Card
The Madrid Card is a smart-chip card that allows cardholders access to Madrid’s rich cultural heritage. By using this, you will not need to queue for entrance tickets. Included in the card is a tourist guide with significant information about museums, a map of Madrid, and a free traditional tapa and a drink.
10. Blind Visitors can touch masterpieces
Source: Carlos Reusser Monsalvez
What’s more likable about Prado Museum is it allows blind visitors to touch contemporaneous copies of the masterpieces. This is a great opportunity for the vision-impaired persons to be able to feel the paintings by touching it. The other tourists are forbidden to touch the priceless treasures of the museum.
Have a good trip and travel!
