One of the world's greatest art museums is located in Madrid. It is the Prado (meaning "meadow" in Spanish, for the land upon which it was built). Originally constructed in 1785, it became a museum in 1814 in order to house the Spanish Royal Art Collection. Home to around 9000 pieces of art, sculpture, prints, and drawings, it's best know work is Valazquez's 1656 "Las Meninas" ("Ladies in Waiting"). Works of Goya, the most famous Spanish artist, also hold a prominent place. While this museum is massive, we were determined to explore the whole place in one day. And we succeeded! However, it took us ten hours to comfortably view everything. We have visited many, many art museums throughout our travels. This one is easily the most spectacular!
The main entrance to the Prado museum.
Directly opposite the main entrance, is this statue to Goya, the most famous Spanish artist.
This side of the museum, facing La Passeo de Prado, is the more impressive.
Another view of the impressive side of the building
The long hall connecting many of the various galleries.
Valazques' Las Meninas ("Ladies in Waiting") done in 1656.
"The Annunciation " by Fra Angelico (1430-1432).
Raphael's 1517 "Christ Falling on the Way to Calvary".
Reubens' The Adoration of the Magi.
El Greco's "The Knight With His Hand on His Breast" done in 1580.
In 1808, Goya painted this piece, entitled "The Third of May".
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