El Prado Museum

The Prado has one of the most important collections of art in the world. If you'd like to know more about each artist or painting, there are vending machines all over the Prado with small Gallery Guide books. You'll also see artists painting copies of the masterpieces. Outside the Prado, we ran into some local students doing a project for their English class. Our kids were more than happy to answer their questions.

Las Meninas (the family of Philip IV) by Velazquez

Painted in 1656, this was my favorite painting in the Prado. I took the photo on the left without flash - you CAN'T use flash. The image on the right is a canvas copy sold in the gift shop (note it has a bar code). You can buy canvas copies of various paintings in many different sizes.

National Museum Reina Sofía

Here we are in front of the museum. You'll find works by Miró, Dalí and Picasso - including Picasso's famous Guernica. Be prepared to check your cameras just inside the front door - cameras are not allowed inside. And be sure to stop at the gift shop for jewelry, souvenirs, mugs, etc.!