This new display offers visitors a survey of the more than 200-year history of Spain’s leading cultural institution while also enhancing the quality of the museum’s discourse.

Curated by Víctor Cageao, Director of Buildings and the Natural Environment at Patrimonio Nacional and formerly General Coordinator of Programming at the Museo del Prado, with the support of the documentalist Teresa Prieto, this display occupies Rooms 100, 101 and 102 (all original spaces by Villanueva) which have been completely remodelled according to a design by the architect Desirée González.

Taking the evolution of the Museum’s architecture as its guiding thread, this new installation offers a reflection on the historical and political events which transformed the initial Real Museo into the public institution of international renown which it is today. The display features 265 exhibits, among them works by Fernando Brambilla from Patrimonio Nacional; two architectural models and a drawing by Rafael Moneo; an architectural model by Normal Foster; a large amount of documentary material; seven sculptures; twelve coins and medals; and four new architectural models that have been specially made for this display and which show the different enlargements made to the Museum...

Museo del Prado: History of the Museo del Prado and its Buildings