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Classic and Contemporary Art

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From the classic to the contemporary, Madrid offers an unforgettable voyage through art history. While there are several noteworthy art museums and galleries here, it's almost a sin to miss the best: the Prado and the Reina Sof?a. They are both set in a picturesque neighborhood perfect for paseos (strolling) under the tree lined Paseo del Prado, or for discovering Spanish food and social activity in the area around Calle Huertas and Plaza Santa Ana.

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Author: Jennifer

Day 1 - Madrid

Today you'll promenade with the classics. While it could take you years to enjoy a moment with each work of art in the Prado Museum, it's best to spend a long morning here focusing on these painters: Diego Velázquez, El Greco ("the Greek" Doménikos Theotokópoulos, who spent his last years in Toledo), and Francisco de Goya. Make sure to ponder Velázquez's "Las Meninas" and Goya's black paintings. The museum has a restaurant if you need a little caffeine or energy to boost you through some other works like: Bosch's triptych "The Garden of Delight", Titian's "Danae and the Shower of Gold", or Ruben's "The Three Graces". Step out of the museum and into the Real Jardín Botánico to contemplate the masters and take a breath of fresh air. You'll have worked up an appetite by now, so it's time for paella at the Champagnería Gala. While paella is best in Valencia, you should try it at least once while in Spain, and this restaurant gives you a pleasant patio ambiance for a taste of this classic dish. Walk it off by heading back up the Paseo del Prado to gander at the mythical Neptune and Cibeles fountains. From Cibeles view the historical Puerta de Alcalá and continue up Paseo de Recoletos where you'll find the literary Café de Gijón. Sip an afternoon café con leche and do some journal writing. Across from Café de Gijón is the Biblioteca Nacional, which usually has small and sometimes interesting exhibits. From there step out to the Plaza de Colón to consider the history of Spain's relationship with America. If the night hasn't fallen upon you, meander through the Barrio de Salamanca for a look at swanky shops, people, and apartment buildings.

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Location:

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Paseo de la Infanta Isabel 9
28014 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

+34 91 539 9400

Museo Nacional del Prado (Prado Museum)

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Location:

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Paseo del Prado
28014 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

+34 91 330 2800

El Real Jardín Botánico (Botanical Garden)

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Plaza de Murillo 2
28028 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

+34 91 420 3017 / +34 91 420 0438

Champagnería Gala

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Moratín 22
Santa Ana
28014 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

91-429-25-62

Fuente de Neptuno

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Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo
28014 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

+34 91 588 2906(Tourist Information)

Cibeles (La)

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Plaza de Cibeles
28014 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

+34 91 588 1636(Tourist Information)

Puerta de Alcalá

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Plaza de la Independencia
28001 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

+34 91 588 1636(Tourist Information)

Paseo de Recoletos

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Paseo de Recoletos
(Between the Plaza de Cibeles and the Plaza de Colón and Jardines del Descubrimiento)
28001 Madrid, Spain

Gran Café de Gijón

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Paseo de Recoletos 21
28001 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

91-521-54-25

Biblioteca Nacional

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Paseo de Recoletos 20-22
28071 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

+34 91 580 7800 / +34 91 580 7823

Plaza de Colón

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Calle de Puerto Serrano
28045 Madrid, Spain

Barrio de Salamanca

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Barrio de Salamanca
Near Maria de Molina and Serrano Streets
28006 Madrid, Spain

Phone:

+34 91 368 9700(Tourist Information)

Day 2 - Madrid

The next step of your art history journey is the Reina Sofía Museum. There are two sections here: the original museum where most of the permanent collection is, and the architecturally intriguing extension, inaugurated in 2005, where many of the temporary exhibits are displayed. Picasso's 1937 "Guernica" and his sketches leading to it are by far the historical and artistic highlight. The rest of the museum provides examples of other Spanish contemporary artists such as Joan Miró, Eduardo Chillida, Antoni Tápies, and just a few works by Salvador Dalí. Lunch today will be a picnic in the park! You can pick up supplies before or after going to the museum, (where there are lockers to store backpacks). There's a market house about five blocks from the museum right outside the Metro Antón Martín on Calle Atocha. A market house is the place to learn about cheeses, embutidos (cold meats), and ingredients in Spanish cuisine, plus you get to see local people selecting products for their daily meal. Always ask "Quién es el último?" to find your place in the chaotic lines. Normally there's no squeezing or touching the produce. Tell the vendor what you want, and practice your Spanish or miming skills! Picnic packed and art experienced, you'll cross the Paseo del Prado and walk up the Cuesta de Moyanos. Browse the book stalls and acquire a little reading for the Parque del Retiro. At the park, simply enjoy the green spaces and watch people go by, or pop into the Palacio de Cristal or the Palacio de Velázquez. Take a siesta under a tree because you'll be up late tapa hopping on the Plaza Santa Ana. Start with La Moderna and explore from there. After dinner top off the night with live jazz at Café Central.

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