Prado Museum in Madrid: photo and description, history, ticket price 2021, opening hours, address

Madrid is famous for many attractions, among which the Prado Museum occupies a place of honor. Thanks to a rich collection of the best works of Western European fine art, this place occupies a worthy place along with the Louvre and the Hermitage. The Prado Museum not only introduces visitors to the collection of art works belonging to the Spanish monarchs, but also demonstrates the Spanish art school as a separate art direction.

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The history of the formation of the Spanish state is reflected to some extent in the history of the famous Madrid museum. Despite the fact that the official opening of the Prado falls on 1819, the history of the formation of its collection began during the liberation struggle of Spain against the Arab conquerors. The result of a long centuries-old struggle was the emergence on the territory of modern Spain of several separate kingdoms, which later united and became at the origins of the formation of the state of Spain.

In such difficult conditions, not every nobleman managed to be interested in art. The opportunity to collect works of art for centuries was only with the monarchs and the Catholic Church. It is not surprising that religious themes were clearly traced in the collections of art works of this period. In addition, the change of the monarch on the Spanish throne was traditionally accompanied by the sale of art paintings collected during the reign. Therefore, in the collection of paintings by the Prado there are no works of art that made up the collections of the Castilian kings.

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After liberation from Arab domination, the Spanish monarchy began to expand its spheres of influence, not only subjugating new territories. New opportunities have opened up for the development of science, culture and art. The Spanish King Carlos I for the first time abandoned traditional sales, and his collection of paintings went to the heir, Philip II. Like Carlos I, Philip II turned out to be a worthy successor and connoisseur of painting.

During the years of his reign, he significantly enriched the art collections of his predecessor not only with paintings on religious themes, but also with genre paintings and portraits. During the time of Philip II, the collection of paintings collected by the Spanish monarchs was exhibited for the court public in the royal palace of El Prado.

Many centuries later, the name of this country residence of the king migrated to the name of the now existing Madrid Museum. However, in the palace of Philip II Escoriale, the ordinary public was content with viewing paintings of exclusively religious subjects.

Unlike his predecessor Philip II, Philip III was far from art. The years of his reign had a detrimental effect on the state of the royal collection, which not only was not replenished, but part of it was simply given away. However, thanks to Philip IV, a true connoisseur of art, it was possible to increase the collection with the best works of many famous European artists, and during the period of the Bourbons on the Spanish throne, the collection of Spanish monarchs was replenished with works by French artists.

Collection of the Prado Museum

Positioning the Spanish art school as a separate direction, the Prado Museum gives its visitors the opportunity to get acquainted with Spanish painting in more detail, represented by unique paintings by famous Spanish artists. In particular, it is difficult to confuse the unique original manner of El Greco with the paintings of other painters, which are distinguished by the use of rich colors, a peculiar coloring and an unusual temperament. Therefore, many visitors to the museum linger for a long time at his “Trinity” and “Crucifixion with the Mother of God, John and Mary Magdalene.”

Portraits by Diego Velasquez are distinguished by their realism and unique play of color. The famous Spanish portrait painter skillfully conveyed with the help of paints not only the image of a person, but also his inner qualities. On the “Portrait of Philip IV in hunting clothes” Velazquez depicted the grandeur and arrogance inherent in royalty, and in the “Triumph of Bacchus or the Drunkard” the artist denounces human vices.

The works of Francisco José de Goya reflect the changes that took place in the artist's work under the influence of the events associated with the French Revolution. Visitors are delighted with the contrasts inherent in the artist's work: on the one hand, the pacifying painting of the “Charles IV Family”, and on the other hand, sharp strokes that emphasize the tragedy of the “Uprising of May 2, 1808 in Madrid“.

In addition to works of fine art by Spanish artists, the museum presents the best works of other European painters.

The current collection of the Prado includes about 7,600 art paintings by famous European artists, among which a significant place belongs to the masters of the Renaissance. The museum's collection is also adorned with unique jewelry made by ancient craftsmen and over 1,000 skillfully executed sculptures.

How to get to the Prado Museum

The museum is located at: Metro Banco de España, Atocha, Paseo del Prado s/n. 28014

You can visit any day, it works seven days a week. Its doors are open from 10 am to 8 pm. Opening hours on weekends: 10.00-19.00.

The entrance ticket for an adult is 8 euros. But if you come 2 hours before closing, then you do not need to pay anything. Also, admission is free for all citizens on national holidays:

For visitors under the age of 18 – free of charge.