Hotels Events Magazine Specials Contact EN Reservations El Prado Museum Back 16 MAR OD Magazine Museo Del Prado On November 19 last year, one of the most important art galleries in the world, the Prado Museum, held its 200th anniversary. 200 years have passed since Madrid witnessed the birth of this museum that has already become known all over the world for its history and the importance of the works of art it houses, both permanently and for its travelling exhibitions. The Madrid of 1819 when King Carlos III—who many people consider to be the best mayor the city has had—undertook urban development designed by the architect, Juan de Villanueva. It involved big changes and remodelling the city from the Cibeles Fountain to Atocha. For the era we are talking about, it was an avant-garde project which represented a great advance for the city. Carlos III’s original idea was for it to become the headquarters of the Royal Cabinet of Natural History, but—with the invasion of Napoleon’s forces—the idea emerged to create a museum of the Court, similar to others that existed in Europe, and it ended up opening to the public in 1819. It should be added that, in the beginning, it was called the 'Royal Museum of Paintings', then, the 'National Museum of Painting and Sculpture' and, since 1920, the Prado Museum, as we know it today. The main aim of this museum was, from the very beginning, to teach the world about Spain’s cultural and artistic heritage. Artists like Diego de Velázquez and Francisco de Goya gave “kudos” to our national status. In the present day, the Prado Museum comprises a museum campus consisting of several buildings located in the heart of the city of Madrid: the Villanueva building, the Church of the Jeronimos, the Casón del Buen Retiro, the administrative building on Ruiz de Alarcón Street and the Kingdom Hall of the Buen Retiro Palace, which was recently added to the previous ones. In 2007, the biggest extension in its history was finished, carried out by the architect Rafael Moneo, whose plan added a new building built around the restored Cloister of the Jeronimos. In parallel, in 2009, the Casón del Buen Retiro was opened as the headquarters of the Study Center, which integrates the conservation departments together with the library, archiving and documentation services along with the Prado School. It is a museum with a very long history. Here are some unusual facts about it: Read more Newsletter Sign Up Corporate Careers Downloads Contact Terms & Conditions by eMascaró Cookies Policy By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies policy Accept All Cookies Cookies Settings