The Royal Palace, built in the 18th century, is on par with the Chateau de Versailles in France. The Prado Museum considered one of the best museums in the world, showcases an unending array of masterpieces made during the Golden Age of Spain. More than 8,000 paintings and 700 sculptures can be found in the Museo Nacional del Prado collection, which is widely regarded as one of the finest museums in the world. The enormous collection of artworks includes several works of art considered masterpieces, such as renowned paintings on par with the most well-known pieces at the Louvre Museum in Paris.
This museum has been around through all three wars! It's hard to believe, but this museum made it through not one, not two, but all three of Spain's wars: the War of Independence, the Spanish Civil War, and World War II! Be sure not to miss the angels and clouds in El Greco's peaceful paintings and Hieronymous Bosch's famed Garden of Earthly Delights, which depicts many of life's delights and crimes. Both of these works of art are located in Spain.
It was in 1785 that construction began on the vast structure that now houses Madrid's most important collection of classical art. The building is a spectacular illustration of Neoclassical architecture, distinguished from other architectural styles by its emphasis on grandeur, the employment of columns, and Roman-inspired embellishments. The structure features five entrances in addition to a great large hall with a glass ceiling letting in additional light. The history of the Spanish Monarchy is retold in several ways across the various exhibits in this museum. The concept of museum was originally conceived to store art collections belonging to royalty. Because of this, it is reasonable to anticipate that these works of exceptional worth will continue to be housed in the same structure.
On the other hand, the Prado's origins as a royal art collection truly set it apart from most other art galleries in Europe. It is widely acknowledged as among the best art museums in the world, and its collection has numerous works of art that can be considered masterpieces. Over the next few hundred years, the list grew due to Spanish rulers acquiring as many European masterpieces as they could get their hands on. Many of these masterpieces are still displayed on the walls of the Prado to this day. Around 2,300 items from the collection are exhibited throughout more than one hundred rooms spread across three floors of the Prado Museum. It can be overwhelming to try to see everything in a single visit, but it is feasible to zero down on a particular route that highlights masterpieces. The Prado offers 'routes,' often known as self-guided excursions, that focus on particular masterpieces.
It features works such as Rogier van der Weyden's The Descent from the Cross and Hieronymus Bosch's The Garden of Earthly Delights. Titian, a Venetian artist, is a good starting point for understanding the historical evolution of Spain because of the way he portrayed the Habsburg Dynasty in his paintings. In addition, Francisco Goya's works portrayed Spanish society, making for an intriguing subject because of the works' relatively direct presentation manner. The Death of the Virgin by Andrea Mantegna, Nobleman with his Hand on his Chest by El Greco, Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez, Goya's Maja series, Emperor Carlos V on Horseback by Titian, and David Victorious over Goliath by Caravaggio, are some of the most well-known pieces of art in the museum. A place to hold exhibitions: The museum underwent extensive renovations in 2007, adding an abbey to display sculptures, a cube-shaped extension building for continuing shows, and a new drawing and print room.
Next to the Prado Museum is the Real Jardin Botánico, often known as the Royal Botanical Garden. After seeing the art collection, visitors can take some time to relax in the garden. This magnificent greenery area comprises shaded walks, benches, sculptures, and greenhouses; a Kitchen Garden planted with vegetables; and a Rose Garden blooms in May and early June. In addition to being a botanical garden, the Real Jardán Botánico houses a natural history museum.
Duration RequiredC. de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, 28014 Madrid, Spain
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