When Was the Prado and Paseo Del Artes Madrid Built?

By Robert Palmer

Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is known for its rich cultural heritage and artistic treasures. Among the many attractions in the city, the Prado Museum and Paseo Del Artes are two prominent landmarks that showcase the artistic brilliance of Spain. In this article, we will explore the history behind the construction of these iconic landmarks.

The Prado Museum

The Prado Museum is one of the most famous art museums in the world. It houses a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks from various periods of European history.

The museum was originally built as a natural science museum in 1785 during the reign of King Charles III. However, it was later converted into an art museum in 1819 by King Ferdinand VII.

Construction

The construction of the Prado Museum began in 1785 and was completed in 1819. It was designed by architect Juan de Villanueva, who also designed other important buildings in Madrid such as the Royal Observatory and Puerta de Alcalá. The building itself is a neoclassical structure with a grand facade consisting of Corinthian columns and statues.

Expansion

Over time, the collection at the Prado Museum grew significantly, and so did its building. In 2007, an expansion project was undertaken to extend the museum’s exhibition space. The new building was designed by Spanish architect Rafael Moneo and opened to visitors in 2007.

Paseo Del Artes

Paseo Del Artes is a boulevard located in Madrid that is home to several museums, galleries, theaters, and other cultural institutions. It is also known as Madrid’s “art walk” due to its concentration of artistic venues.

Construction

The construction of Paseo Del Artes began in the late 19th century during the reign of King Alfonso XIII. The boulevard was designed to showcase Madrid’s cultural heritage and to promote tourism. The construction of Paseo Del Artes took several decades, and it was finally completed in the mid-20th century.

Attractions

Paseo Del Artes is home to many important cultural institutions such as the Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and Reina Sofia Museum. It also hosts numerous art galleries, theaters, and other venues that showcase the artistic talent of Spain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Prado Museum and Paseo Del Artes are two significant landmarks in Madrid that represent Spain’s cultural heritage and artistic brilliance. The Prado Museum was built in the late 18th century as a natural science museum but was later converted into an art museum.

Paseo Del Artes was constructed in the late 19th century to showcase Madrid’s cultural heritage and to promote tourism. Both landmarks have undergone significant expansions over time to accommodate their growing collections and audiences.