Museo Nacional del Prado

"The Museo del Prado has been open for over 200 years and has a vast collection of masterpieces. Featuring works of art by Goya, El Greco, Velazquez, Titian, Bosch and Rubens. The museum can definitely be an all-day affair depending on the length of time you have for your visit. You could do a hitlist of your favorite artists and begin by ticking those off your list , or start with the most unique and one of a kind paintings of the Prado . Such as- Las Pinturas Negras(The Black Paintings) by Francisco de la Goya . They were painted from 1819-1823 on the walls of the Quinta del Sordo, Goya's home. The dark paintings represent Goya's descent into dispair after the death of his wife . Also during this time Goya himself was going deaf. The paintings were removed from the walls using a complex process before the Quinta was demolished . The vision of these unique paintings with stay with you long after you have left the museum. El 3 de mayo/The Third of May(1808) ,Also by Goya. Which depicts Patriotic Spaniards being executed by inhuman French soldiers.A matyr dressed in white, his arms outstretched before a firing squad,ready to face his fate. The Execution of Torrijos(1888) and his Companions on the Beach by Antonio Gisbert-Depicts the execution of General Jose Maria de Torrijos and 48 of his followers on the beach at Malaga. King Ferdinand Vll ordered the execution without trail. Queen Joanna Mad(1877) by Francisco Pradilla y Ortiz- Pregnant Queen of Castile Joan I dressed all in black gazes with anguish and despair at the casket of her husband . The complex history of the subject of the painting Joan l and the vivid imagery are what make this painting unique. Las Meninas-The Ladies-in-waiting(1656)-Diego Valezquez .Baroque painter Valezquez employs complex painting techniques ,including perspective and geometry. A painting about the making of a painting for the Spanish royals. Velazquez is painting the King and Queen who are out of the frame ,yet reflected in the mirror behind Velazquez.To the left of Velazquez is Infanta Teresa and her ladies-in-waiting, pet dog, royal guards and two dwarfs. The importance of Las meninas has continued to draw art critics and art lovers from around the world to the Prado. The Raising of Lazarus-(1616) - Juseppe Ribera- Distinguished painter Ribera depicts the raising of Lazarus from his tomb by Jesus. His astonished sisters and witnesses react with awe as Jesus comands Lazarus to rise . Lazarus is the forefront of the work, in his death shrouds, pale and grey taking his first few breaths.Jesus is points at him-commanding him to rise. The Ecce Homo/ Behold a Man(1605 - Caravaggio(on display until 02/23/2024) Although not a part of the Prado's permanent collection this historical masterpiece by Caravaggio is a must see!. This lost Caravaggio came back into the public eye three years ago at auction, creating quite a stir! The painting depicts the biblical scene of Jesus being judged by a bloodthirsty crowd. Pilate presents Jesus to the mob stating " Behold a Man." Jesus is wearing a crown of thorns, is bloodied and pale during the final days of his life. In a dimly lit room, the painting is on display.In a solo exposition . befitting such a priceless masterpiece-sits Ecce Homo. "

"Must-Visit: Prado Museum - Immerse yourself in a treasure trove of masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, and other renowned artists. To maximize your experience and avoid waiting in line, consider purchasing skip-the-line tickets online in advance. To reserve tickets online for the Prado Museum, you can follow these steps: Official Website: Visit the official website of the Prado Museum: https://www.museodelprado.es/en Select Tickets: Look for the section related to tickets or admissions. Usually, there's a "Tickets" or "Visit" tab on the website's main menu. Click on it. Choose Ticket Type: Select the type of ticket you need based on your preferences (e.g., regular admission, reduced price for students/seniors, special exhibitions, guided tours, etc.). Select Date and Time: Choose the date and time slot for your visit. Some attractions within the museum might require specific time slots, so ensure you select the appropriate options. Add to Cart: Once you've chosen your ticket type, date, and time, add the tickets to your cart. Checkout: Proceed to the checkout or payment page. You'll typically need to provide your personal information and payment details to complete the reservation. Confirmation: After the payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation email with your reservation details and instructions on how to access the museum or use the e-tickets. "

"Part of Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art, El Prado, is my favourite museum. It is a breathtaking testament to centuries of artistic mastery, showcasing art from many important periods of classical realism and more with iconic works by Spanish and European masters. From Velázquez's haunting portraits to Goya's powerful depictions of human emotion, the collection offers an immersive journey through the rich tapestry of art history. I could spend a month in this museum, it is a real jewel and not worth missing. Buy tickets in advance and see whatever special exhibit they have on display. If you are an art lover give this museum a days worth of your time. "