Madrid Madrart
February 25, 2016
We had a super short visit to Madrid, but we crammed in as many things as possible and boy do my feet hurt. We went to the Royal Palace of Madrid, some churches, the Reina Sofia Art Gallery, and the Prado Art Gallery. All within two days. Madrid seems like a really cool city (and I mean cold! only plus 5!) I would love to go back some day and see more or even spend more time at the things we did go see. Both art galleries deserved a week’s visit just to see and appreciate everything.
On day one we arrived bright eyed and ready to explore. We started with lunch at a local place where I learned that sometimes they use the Spanish word for rooster “gallo” as a name for a type of fish. It was delicious and made quite a dish.
Then we made our way to check out the Royal Palace. It was very purdy. We spent most of our time looking at the royal armoury. It was full of past Kings’ armour for jousting and royal occasions. AND full of medieval gun type things!
(click here for the panorama if the embedded one doesn’t work, or to see it full screen)
On our second day in Madrid we started early with breakfast at a cute used book shop then made our way to the Reina Sofia Art Centre. A very modern art gallery filled with amazing notable artworks from the past 100 years. I didn’t take pictures inside, but I’d like to share some images of a few of the fantastic pieces we got to see.
And so SO many more artworks! It was such a treat to go through the gallery. We could easily have spent a couple days there.
After a short lunch break where I ate an entire baguette, we were off to enjoy some fresh air in the El Retiro Park. A giant garden filled park near the second gallery on our list to visit.
After the park we embarked on more art viewing at Museo del Prado. It was incredible. The temporary exhibit was Ingres, one of my very favourite painters.
After enjoying the Ingres exhibit we started chipping away at the gallery’s extensive collection. By extensive I mean the gallery is about two city blocks big and 2 and a half floors of gallery. My feet were actually bleeding at the end of the day. Mucho walking. I wish they had some kind of conveyor belt to put me on that would go around the galleries.
It was all worth it to see some of the amazing collection that includes the famous Spanish painters El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya.
Within their huge Goya collection they have everything from his whimsical tapestries to his Black Paintings. It was breathtaking to see these pieces in person. Each of his painting hold more energy and impact than some humans have. I’ve always found Goya’s art to be very powerful. His work seems very in tune with the turmoil of Spain during his life.
We have a long list of wonderful art that we got to see, but an even longer list of art we missed. There is just too much amazing art. It nearly killed me. Next time Ima bring an extra set of feetz.
~B~
Madrid map!