Raíces: El Museo Del Prado

Qué tal amigos,

I had a very eventful weekend! On Friday, I visited El Museo del Prado, the world-renowned art museum. I decided that it truly deserves a post of its own because of the intricacy and sheer beauty of all the artwork housed inside. The commute was relatively easy and short: a 20-minute bus ride. It was a pleasantly surprising find that the €20 monthly charge for the youth transportation card also covers any and all bus rides in Madrid. The museum has a €16 general fee, but I actually got in for free because I am a student! We haven’t gotten our University ID yet, but I had my International Student Identification Card (ISIC), which I had purchased back home before coming, so it authenticated me for gratuity. I would definitely recommend getting the card if you are planning on studying abroad. It’s $25, but it really pays for itself, even with just a couple of visits to expensive museums and other places, not to mention that it comes with a basic insurance plan as well.

The guards at the museum were very strict about taking pictures of some of the artworks inside, so I was only able to take some pictures for you all. I couldn’t get the descriptions of them all either, so if interested, you can see the artworks on display and their descriptions at El Prado’s official website: Museo Nacional del Prado

I am really excited to share some of the stunning artwork with you all, so enjoy!

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Although this is a typical-looking street in Madrid, I still have not gotten over how beautiful the architecture is here. Certainly much different than the bricks and cinderblocks that I’m used to back in Philly.

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There were a few of these stands with artists selling their work. I actually bought two for €15. They’d make for nice gifts.

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Jesus carrying the cross on the way to calvary

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Christ carrying the Cross: Titian, 1565

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The original The Last Supper by Juan de Juanes. “The chalice which appears in the centre of the table reproduces the one kept in Valencia Cathedral [in Valencia, Spain], considered to be the one used by Christ at the Last Supper.”

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Stopped by the Café Prado and got myself a jamón y queso croissant with café con leche. De-li-cio-so!!

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San Jerónimo el Real, Roman Catholic church, dating back to 1505.

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The Expulsion of the Jews from Spain (in the year 1492) by Emilio Sala Francés, 1889

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View of one of the galleries there

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The original: Las Meninas, by Diego Velázquez, one of the most highly regarded and analyzed artworks of Western painting. It shows the complexities between our interpretation of reality and illusion. Quite fascinating.

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Goya statue

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Side view

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View of the museum

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Entrance to el Jardín Botánico. I didn’t actually go in, but I definitely will next time!

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Warm sunset on a Madrid street

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