Max Abroad : The Best of Spain

Built to mirror a similar structure in London which was installed just over 30 years earlier, Madrid's Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace) is a lovely architectural jewel that recalls an era when spaces were built simply to be beautiful.

The ornate glass and steel greenhouse that sits on the edge of a lake in Buen Retiro Park was finished in 1887 as a space to exhibit arts and wonders in a setting that was both lovingly baroque and still naturally stunning. From the high glass dome to the bright red brick foundation, the building is a thing of beauty. Since the the walls are glass the park's lush green surrounds can also be appreciated in addition to whatever exhibition is on display inside. The palace is also outfitted with a boat landing on the waters of the park's small lake and an entrance fitted out with classically-styled columns. 

Since the palace is essentially an elaborate greenhouse it is no wonder that the first exhibition in the space was display of exotic Vietnamese plants that were brought into Spain for the event. The intention was originally to continue displaying wondrous plants in the space, but as time went on the palace began showing more art than flora.

Today, the Crystal Palace can still be visited by anyone who wants to take in the art on display inside or the natural vistas outside, or both at the same time.   

Last week I found myself in Madrid and I grabbed the opportunity to visit one of my favourite galleries: El Prado. This spectacular gallery boasts the most extensive collection of Spanish paintings from 11th -18th century, and numerous masterpieces by artists such as El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, Bosch, Titian, Van Dyck and Rembrandt. 

The quality and variety of the collection on offer make the Prado one of the world's best-endowed museums. It combines a first-class collection of Spanish painting, the most important works of the Flemish and Italian schools, and many fine examples of the German, French and English schools.

Additionally, it is home to such masterpieces as Las Meninas by Velázquez, the Two Majas by Goya, Nobleman with his hand on his chest by El Greco, the Garden of Delights by Bosch, and The Three Graces by Rubens, among other priceless pieces.

Velaquez

Goya 

El Greco

Bosch

Rubens

Although the museum was created to house primarily works of painting and sculpture, it also contains major collections of drawings, engravings, coins and medals, as well as items of clothing and decorative art.

In 2007 the museum's exhibition area was practically doubled with an extension designed by the Spanish architect Rafael Moneo. The new area includes four rooms for temporary exhibitions, the restored cloister of the church of Los Jerónimos, a large entrance hall, an auditorium seating 438 people, as well as various storage facilities and workshops for the restoration of artworks. Elements worth noting on the exterior include the impressive bronze doors by Cristina Iglesias and the Tuscan box gardens. If you ever get the opportunity to visit Madrid, pass by the Prado and take a look...if you don't here's a video....