The Museo del Prado exhibits the painter of light's finest works

46 years ago, the Museo del Prado commemorated the birth of Joaquín Sorolla with a memorable retrospective of his works. Today, the art gallery, who is seeking to pay tribute to the greatest Spanish masters of the 19^th century, has organised another major exhibition on the Valentian artist.

Madrid offers a wide artistic range, influenced by the many styles that have marked the city through the centuries.
From the ruins of the ancient Arab wall, to small Gothic-style churches, and early Renaissance constructions, Madrid's development is a showcase for a variety of artistic periods. Madrid owes its name to the Arabic Magerit or "mother of the waters", which was the name given to the fortress in the bank of the Manzanares River, built by the Omayyad from Cordoba, Muhammad (823-886). Although it grew under Arab rule for two hundred years, little is left of the Arab presence: only some ruins of the wall are preserved, and a tower, which was later turned into a bellower. With the coming of the Austrias in the 16th century and the height of their splendour in the 17th century, the great monuments of Madrid began to emerge in the area that is nowadays referred to as the Madrid de los Austrias, one of the most famous areas of the city where, in addition to the Plaza Mayor, there are many outstanding spots, churches, and convents, full of art and atmosphere. The austere façades of the Baroque style contrast with the lavish interiors of the palaces.

Madrid has recently presented its new Museum and Collection Guide in order to facilitate the consultation of its extensive museum offer. In it appears about 116 museums and art collections top level in Madrid territory.

Published in both Castilian and English, has a detailed description of the museums that are in the Capital and also in the Madrid Region (Comunidad de Madrid), both public and private museums.

Illustrated with photographs of all them, includes the hours and days of opening, offering complementary services (gift shop, bookstore, cafe or restaurant), as well as the level of accessibility to the handicapped or the possibility for groups attention.

The print run was 16,500 copies and will be available in hotels, tourist offices and on the website

DOWNLOAD THE NEW MUSEUMS AND COLLECTIONS GUIDE IN MADRID