The Prado Museum is one of the most important in the world, as it houses a very important collection of European art, ranging from the Renaissance to Romanticism. If you plan to visit it, at LOCK & enjoy! we have prepared a guide for you to know what to see at the Prado Museum, as well as some brief tips.
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What to see at the Prado Museum? Essential works
The visit to this museum can be organized as you prefer and always depending on the time you have. However, to contemplate the essential works the duration is about 3 hours approximately.
We recommend that you purchase a ticket with a guide or audio guide, since each work of art has a story behind it, both from a historical and cultural point of view.
Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez (1656)
It is one of the most emblematic paintings of the museum, hence in the room where it is located there is always a large crowd of people to see it in more detail. Las Meninas is considered one of the most complex and enigmatic works in the history of art. It must be taken into account that Diego Velázquez was appointed painter to King Philip IV and, 4 years later, painter of the chamber, the most important position among the court painters.
Therefore, this painting shows the Infanta Margarita Teresa surrounded by her ladies-in-waiting. It is striking that Velázquez also appears in the background while painting the scene.
It is a painting that invites us to reflect on the representation of power and art in the Spanish court of the time.
The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch (1490-1500)
It is considered one of the most mysterious and surrealistic works of the Renaissance period. It stands out for its numerous details and secrets, as well as for its intense colors.
It is formed by three panels in which each one of them has a different representation and meaning:
- The central panel depicts a paradisiacal world.
- Hell is represented on the right side.
- And in the left panel is Eden.
The Garden of Earthly Delights is full of symbols, as it depicts scenes of earthly pleasures as well as hellish punishments. The surrealistic details generate a unique atmosphere that, today, continues to generate a wide debate about its interpretation.
The Nude Maja by Francisco de Goya (1797-1800)
It is one of the most controversial and famous paintings by Goya, one of the most celebrated painters of the time. Today, it continues to captivate viewers with its elegance and beauty.
La maja desnuda represents a woman reclining on a divan. For this reason it was a painting that defied the conventions of the time, since the vast majority had an academic theme. This sensual and daring portrait has also been the subject of numerous interpretations due to the fact that the identity of the woman is unknown, as well as her relationship with Goya.
Did you know that the protagonist of this painting is also the same one who appears in La maja vestida? Come and see it because it is also in the Prado Museum.
May 3, 1808 (1814)
This painting also belongs to Francisco de Goya. It illustrates the brutal acts carried out by Napoleon’s troops during the occupation of Spain in the War of Independence.
It is a frightening and disturbing image, but one that captivates anyone because the prisoners are standing with their hands raised, while rifles are being pointed at them.
May 3, 1808 is a symbol of the struggle for freedom and resistance following the conflict that took place from 1808 to 1814.
The Three Graces by Rubens (1635)
It is one of the most important works of the Baroque. Beauty, sensuality and harmony are represented through three mythological figures: Aglaya (beauty), Euphrosine (joy) and Talia (abundance).
The painter Rubens managed to combine his style characterized by exuberance with a deep analysis of the human anatomy, but with a very dynamic composition. The three figures in the painting are in constant movement, celebrating the beauty and fertility that characterizes them. On the other hand, the background is soft and warm, creating a unique contact with the Graces.
Tips for the visit to the Prado Museum
The Prado Museum houses a very important collection of works of art, however, the interior is very large. Therefore, we advise you to take note of the following tips to make your experience unique:
- Planning your visit. More than 8000 works of art await you on your visit, however, seeing them all in one day is practically impossible. Therefore, focus on the most popular ones, especially the ones we have focused on in this post. At the entrance you have maps to guide you through the museum.
- Take your time. Going to a museum is an experience that goes beyond seeing paintings or sculptures. It is about knowing the meaning and history of each work, so take your time, do your research and look at every detail to have a unique experience.
- Be prepared. The visit lasts for hours, so wear comfortable shoes so you can walk comfortably. Also, if at any time you feel tired you can take a short break in one of the cafeterias to recharge your batteries. On the other hand, bring water, especially if it is a hot day.
Enjoy your day at the Prado Museum in Madrid! We would like to remind you that we have numerous Lockers for your luggage in Madrid so that you can enjoy your visit with total freedom and comfort, we are waiting for you!
