Want to learn Spanish in Spain? We recommend this article by Gerry Kerkhof
Madrid's Art Scene
Thanks to the Prado Museum, Madrid has long been established on the European art
circuit yet this museum is only one point of what is known as Madrid's 'golden art
triangle'. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is believed to be the only private collection
in the world that compares with the British Royal Family's art collection. The Reina Sofia
is the national museum of 20th century art which is best known for it's most famous
exhibit, Picasso's Guernica. Time permitting, a day excursion to Toledo is well worthwhile
to see some of the great El Greco masterpieces.
Although Barcelona is best known for its Gaudi architecture it is also home to some fairly
outstanding galleries. The Picasso Museum is the city's most visited gallery and contains
one of the most extensive collections of the artist's works in the world. A personal
favourite is the National Art Gallery of Catalunya as much for the magnificent building in
which it housed as for the collection itself. Barcelona's Museum of Contemporary Art
has revitalized the central area of El Raval just off the Ramblas. An essential day
excursion from Barcelona for every art lover is to the Dalí Museum in Figueres .
Spanish Art Beyond Madrid & Barcelona
Undoubtedly, the number one attraction on the Spanish art scene outside the two
largest cities is the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Frank Gehry's architectural masterpiece
which has helped transform the local economy of this formerly industrial city. Indeed the
design of the Guggenheim is based on the shapes of a fish and a boat which depict the
city's historical past as a centre of shipbuilding and fishing.
Valencia is beginning to make a name for itself on the European art circuit and the
Museo de Bellas Artes has long been considered one of Spain's finest galleries. Seville
has a wealth of artistic treasures with the Museo de Bellas Artes the main attraction
thanks to the its display of works by local 17th century masters Murillo and Zurbarán.
Also in Andalucia the latest Picasso Museum has been built inside the artist's birthplace
in Malaga. Further north in deepest Extremadura, the National Museum of Roman Art in
Merida is one of the finest collections of Roman art that you'll come across outside Rome.
And what about cave paintings? In Altamira (Cantabria) there are cave paintings of
animals which date back to 12,000BC whilst the lesser known and unspoilt Cueva de la
Pilota near Ronda is a 'must see' if you're in the area (though few people go there!).
There's no end to the artistic treasures that abound in Spain and no matter which
cultural centres you head for in search of masterpieces, you're unlikely to be disappointed.
This article was written by Gerry Kerkhof of Spanish Fiestas. For more information about Spanish Art & Artists visit his website.
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