About museums
Madrid is home to two of the most important heritage sites in Spain: the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace. The former opened its doors in 1819 as the Royal Museum of Painting and Sculpture, becoming one of the most prestigious art galleries in the world. The Royal Palace, built in the 18th century on the site of the old Alcázar of Madrid, was the accredited residence of the Spanish monarchy and symbolizes the power, art and history of the Crown through its halls and collections.
What to see during the visit
During this private guided tour you will appreciate the masterpieces of the Prado Museum, with universal artists such as Velázquez, Goya, Bosch, Rubens and Titian. Among the most outstanding pieces are Las Meninas, The Garden of Earthly Delights, The Family of Charles IV and The Gentleman with his Hand on his Chest. The experience continues at the Royal Palace, where you can visit the Main Staircase, the Throne Room, the Royal Armory and the impressive collections of clocks, tapestries and frescoes that decorate its rooms.
“Beauty perishes in life, but is immortal in art.” — Leonardo da Vinci
Curiosities
- Las Meninas by Velázquez is one of the most studied works in the history of art for its innovative play of perspectives and reflections.
- The Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest royal palace in Western Europe in surface area, with more than 3,400 rooms.
- The Prado holds the world’s most important collection of works by Francisco de Goya, allowing us to follow the artist’s complete evolution from his earliest works to the famous Black Paintings.