The Spanish government will invest 30 million euros over 4 years into the expansion of the Prado Museum, 75% of the total cost.
The funds will finance the museum’s expansion plans. The gallery will be extended and the building will be renovated by architects Norman Foster and Carlos Rubio. The Delegate Committee of Culture today approved plans for the government to fund a large proportion of the project.
The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, is scheduled to visit the Hall of Realms today to meet the architects of the project.
The Prado Museum will gain 2,500 square meters of exhibition space. The renovation is hoped to improve communication with the city and between the different buildings that make up the ‘Campus de Prado’.
However, el Pais newspaper notes that it is not clear how the “extraordinary contribution” will be processed in the State’s accounts, and the 2019 budgets could prove to be an obstacle. It reports that exact details, including the allocation of the funding over four years, will be finalised at a later date.
Nonetheless, the museum said that the announcement is a cause for celebration – especially since it was made one year ahead of its bicentennial.
The planned design will bring new life to the historic building with solar cells on the roof, new state-of-the-art galleries, terrace cafes and public spaces, as well as work to expose the original 17th century façade.
Images courtesy Foster + Partners
https://elpais.com/cultura/2018/09/18/actualidad/1537279465_629082.html#?ref=rss&format=simple&link=guid
