Preface
The Prado Art Gallery, locally known as the Prado Museum, is undoubtedly the most notable collection of paintings to be found in Spain. With its 2,000 exhibits it is not only the largest collection in terms of quantity, but also the only Spanish picture gallery of internation fame. It would not be an exaggeration to say that no cultured visitor to this country willingly fails to visit the Prado, and the Spaniards, in their thousands, reveal their pride in this matchless artistic haritage.

The Prado Museum
The Prado Art Gallery is situated in thr centre of the city, in the attractive avenue known as the «Paseo del Prado», not far from the famous Plaza de la Cibeles and the Mediodía Railway Station. The luxury Ritz and Palace Hotels, the Jeronimos Church and the Spanish Academy building are all within a few hundred yards. It is also within easy reach of the Spanish Parliament House (Palacio de las Cortes), Bank of Spain, Fine Arts Club and the former Royal Park of the Retiro. The Prado itself faces west, and is fronted by grass lawns and cedar trees, giving it the air of an old palace. In the centre there is a statue of Velázquez.