Madrid mini Guide 2018

05 / 08 state of the art MADRID ICONS: Las Meninas

Las Meninas The Spanish capital has exuded artistic merit ever sinceVelázquez and Goya began committing the city to canvases in the 17th and 18th centuries.Today Velázquez’s baroque mas- terpiece “Las Meninas” hangs inside the Prado Museum. Revered as the “theology of painting” and “philosophy of art”, the work has perplexed art historians since its unveil- ing in 1656 but interpreting it provides much joy. Madrid’s art scene is still thriving: the 271-year-old RoyalAcademy of Fine Arts of San Fernando teaches newmaestros; ArcoMadrid attracts col- lectors every February; and in September,Apertura sees private galleries open their doors. Come on a well-curated artistic tour.

home of art ‘Las Meninas’ takes pride of place in the Prado

Sofía, the boulevard boasts theThyssen-Bornemisza Museum.The majestic 18th century palace houses works from the likes ofVincentVan Gogh and Edward Hopper.

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Artistic Districts Private galleries have sprung up in some of the city’s eclectic barrios . Visit refined examples in the Salamanca district, smaller and more daring ones in the affluent area of Las Salesas or the established art strip of Calle Doctor Fourquet.

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el Prado One of the world’s most renowned museums of fine European art opened in 1819 to display Spain’s royal collection. Visitors marvel at masterpieces stretching back to the 12th cen- tury, including Bosch’s “Garden of Unearthly Delights”.The archives are so vast that a second version of DaVinci’s “Mona Lisa” was found in 2014.

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Reina SofÍa Museum Home to Spain’s largest col- lection of 20th-century art, the Reina Sofía opened in 1992 and displays awe-inspiring works by Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró, as well as Pablo Picasso’s politically charged “Guernica”. After whetting your appetite with modern masterpieces, head to the Jean Nouvel-designed restau- rant for a Spanish lunch.

Las Letras Literary Quarter

The Las Letras district cel- ebrates the literary heritage of Spain’s golden age.Tucked between the tabernas you’ll find the historic home of Miguel Cervantes and playwright Lope deVega, now a museum. Keep an eye out as you wander the streets: phrases from their works are emblazoned in brass on the pavement.

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Paseo del Arte Madrid’s GoldenTriangle of Art is a concentration of Spain’s most prestigious gal- leries and museums. Along with the Prado and Reina

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