Last week I found myself in Madrid and I grabbed the opportunity to visit one of my favourite galleries: El Prado. This spectacular gallery boasts the most extensive collection of Spanish paintings from 11th -18th century, and numerous masterpieces by artists such as El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, Bosch, Titian, Van Dyck and Rembrandt.
The quality and variety of the collection on offer make the Prado one of the world's best-endowed museums. It combines a first-class collection of Spanish painting, the most important works of the Flemish and Italian schools, and many fine examples of the German, French and English schools.
Additionally, it is home to such masterpieces as Las Meninas by Velázquez, the Two Majas by Goya, Nobleman with his hand on his chest by El Greco, the Garden of Delights by Bosch, and The Three Graces by Rubens, among other priceless pieces.
Velaquez
Goya
El Greco
Bosch
Rubens
Although the museum was created to house primarily works of painting and sculpture, it also contains major collections of drawings, engravings, coins and medals, as well as items of clothing and decorative art.
In 2007 the museum's exhibition area was practically doubled with an extension designed by the Spanish architect Rafael Moneo. The new area includes four rooms for temporary exhibitions, the restored cloister of the church of Los Jerónimos, a large entrance hall, an auditorium seating 438 people, as well as various storage facilities and workshops for the restoration of artworks. Elements worth noting on the exterior include the impressive bronze doors by Cristina Iglesias and the Tuscan box gardens. If you ever get the opportunity to visit Madrid, pass by the Prado and take a look...if you don't here's a video....