No trip to Madrid is complete without a visit to Spain’s most celebrated museums. Even museum-shy hedonists can’t help but be impressed with the stunning neo-gothic building full to the rafters with some of the world’s finest works of art and historic artefacts. The Prado was commissioned by King Charles III in 1785 and eventually opened its doors in 1819.
The Prado’s collection of over 8,500 pieces is incredible and the building is only capable of displaying a small percentage of it. At the heart of the collection is that of the Spanish Royal family – an eclectic array of pieces depicting the ever changing tastes of the Spanish monarchy from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Highlights include masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya, Titian and Rubens.
The first Bourbon King, Philip V added one of the most valuable collections – The Treasure of the Grand Dauphin. The Grand Dauphin refers to the first son of Louis XIV of France. He acquired a vast collection consisting of 16th and 17th century Italian objets d’art such as stunning crystal ware and jewel encrusted vases. An incredibly beautiful collection.
Apart from the more traditional works of art and historic artefacts the Prado also boasts some of the worlds finest Exhibitions. This year The Prado will host a Francis Bacon exhibition displaying a fascinating collection of 78 of Bacons most celebrated works. Presented in a partly chronological format but also with themed sections such as Crisis, Archive, Portrait, Animal, Zone, Memorial, Epic and Late. Visitors will be able to take a glimpse inside the mind of this complex artist with his unique reflections of his view of the human condition. The exhibition runs from February 3rd – April 19th 2009. Standard tickets are 8 euros. Lectures and films are also being offered each focusing on various aspects of the Bacon collection, the significance of his body of work and the studies of the man himself.
The Prado is a vast museum with a vast array of works and artefacts. At first the visitor may be unsure where to begin. One great way to navigate through the incredible wealth of displays is to take advantage of the free guided visitor tours which cover both the temporary exhibitions and the permanent collected. 15 to 25 years old are offered an enviable opportunity to visit the museum outside of public hours. The museum is closed to the public on the last Friday of each month and young enthusiast are invited to listen to Art History graduates explain the significance of the main exhibitions including a Q & A session.
The Prado is centrally located on the beautiful Paseo de Prado. Nearest Metro: Atocha.
The Prado’s collection of over 8,500 pieces is incredible and the building is only capable of displaying a small percentage of it. At the heart of the collection is that of the Spanish Royal family – an eclectic array of pieces depicting the ever changing tastes of the Spanish monarchy from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Highlights include masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya, Titian and Rubens.
The first Bourbon King, Philip V added one of the most valuable collections – The Treasure of the Grand Dauphin. The Grand Dauphin refers to the first son of Louis XIV of France. He acquired a vast collection consisting of 16th and 17th century Italian objets d’art such as stunning crystal ware and jewel encrusted vases. An incredibly beautiful collection.
Apart from the more traditional works of art and historic artefacts the Prado also boasts some of the worlds finest Exhibitions. This year The Prado will host a Francis Bacon exhibition displaying a fascinating collection of 78 of Bacons most celebrated works. Presented in a partly chronological format but also with themed sections such as Crisis, Archive, Portrait, Animal, Zone, Memorial, Epic and Late. Visitors will be able to take a glimpse inside the mind of this complex artist with his unique reflections of his view of the human condition. The exhibition runs from February 3rd – April 19th 2009. Standard tickets are 8 euros. Lectures and films are also being offered each focusing on various aspects of the Bacon collection, the significance of his body of work and the studies of the man himself.
The Prado is a vast museum with a vast array of works and artefacts. At first the visitor may be unsure where to begin. One great way to navigate through the incredible wealth of displays is to take advantage of the free guided visitor tours which cover both the temporary exhibitions and the permanent collected. 15 to 25 years old are offered an enviable opportunity to visit the museum outside of public hours. The museum is closed to the public on the last Friday of each month and young enthusiast are invited to listen to Art History graduates explain the significance of the main exhibitions including a Q & A session.
The Prado is centrally located on the beautiful Paseo de Prado. Nearest Metro: Atocha.
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