The Prado Museum is one of the most important museums in the world, as it houses a significant collection of European art ranging from the Renaissance to Romanticism. If you plan to visit, at LOCK & enjoy! we have prepared a guide to help you know what to see at the Prado Museum, along with some useful tips.
You are in Madrid for just one day and arriving by train, make use of our lockers at Atocha to fully enjoy any of the tourist activities in Madrid.
What to see at the Prado Museum? Essential Works
You can organize your visit however you prefer, depending on the time you have. However, to see the essential works, you’ll need about 3 hours.
We advise purchasing a ticket that includes a guided tour or an audio guide, as each piece of art has a story behind it, both from a historical and cultural viewpoint.
Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez (1656)
This is one of the most emblematic paintings in the museum, hence the room where it is located is always crowded. Las Meninas is considered one of the most complex and enigmatic works in art history. It’s important to note that Diego Velázquez was named painter to King Philip IV and, four years later, became the chamber painter, the most important position among court painters.
In this painting, Infanta Margarita Teresa is shown surrounded by her ladies-in-waiting. It’s notable that Velázquez also appears in the background, painting the scene.
This painting invites reflection on the representation of power and art in the Spanish court of that era.
The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch (1490-1500)
This is considered one of the most mysterious and surreal works of the Renaissance. It stands out for its numerous details and secrets, as well as for its vivid colors.
It consists of three panels, each with a different representation and meaning:
- Central panel depicts a paradisiacal world.
- Right panel represents hell.
- Left panel shows Eden.
The Garden of Earthly Delights is full of symbols, depicting scenes of earthly pleasures as well as infernal punishments. Surreal details create a unique atmosphere that continues to provoke broad debate over its interpretation.
The Naked Maja by Francisco de Goya (1797-1800)
This is one of Goya’s most controversial and famous paintings, and he remains one of the most celebrated painters of his time. Today, it continues to captivate viewers with its elegance and beauty.
The Naked Maja depicts a woman reclining on a divan. For this reason, it was a painting that challenged the conventions of the time, as most had an academic theme. This sensual and bold portrait has also been the subject of numerous interpretations because the identity of the woman and her relationship with Goya are unknown.
Did you know that the protagonist of this painting is also the same one that appears in The Clothed Maja? Make sure to see it, as it is also in the Prado Museum.
The 3rd of May 1808 (1814) by Francisco de Goya
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 terrifying and unsettling image, captivating anyone because the prisoners are standing with their hands raised while being aimed at with rifles.
The 3rd of May 1808 is a symbol of the fight for freedom and resistance stemming from the conflict from 1808 to 1814.
The Three Graces by Peter Paul Rubens (1635)
This is one of the most important works of the Baroque period. Beauty, sensuality, and harmony are represented through three figures from mythology: Aglaea (beauty), Euphrosyne (joy), and Thalia (abundance).
Rubens managed to combine his style characterized by exuberance with a deep analysis of human anatomy in a very dynamic composition. The three figures in the painting are in constant motion, celebrating the beauty and fertility that characterize them. Additionally, the background is soft and warm, creating a unique connection with the Graces.
Tips for Visiting the Prado Museum
The Prado Museum houses a very important collection of artworks, but the interior is very large. Therefore, we advise you to take note of the following tips to make your experience unique:
- Plan your visit. More than 8000 artworks await you but seeing them all in one day is practically impossible. Focus on the most popular ones, especially those highlighted in this post. You’ll find maps at the entrance to guide you through the museum.
- Take your time. Visiting a museum is an experience that goes beyond just viewing paintings or sculptures. It’s about understanding the meaning and history of each work, so take your time, research, and pay attention to every detail for a unique experience.
- Prepare yourself. The visit can last for hours, so wear comfortable shoes for easy walking. Additionally, if you feel tired, you can take a short break in one of the cafés to recharge. Also, carry water, especially on a hot day.
Enjoy your day at the Prado Museum in Madrid! We would like to remind you that we have numerous luggage lockers in Madrid so you can enjoy total freedom and comfort. We look forward to seeing you!
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