MADRID – The Prado museum in Madrid unveiled its most significant extension in almost 200 years of existence – a new annex designed by Spaniard architect Rafael Moneo that incorporates the cloister of a centuries-old church.

The new addition, a red brick and granite structure built over the restored cloister of the 15th century Jeronimos church, is part of a programme to construct a series of new buildings around the original 19th century gallery.

Culture Minister Carmen Calvo on Saturday described the expansion work at one of Spain’s top tourist destinations as “extraordinary news in our country’s history.”

The new annex was built at a cost of EUR 152 million and covers more than 22,000 square metres, adding more than 50 percent to the total area of the museum and significantly enlarging the exhibition space.

The Prado museum, which houses the world’s finest collection of works by Spaniards Diego Velazquez and Francisco Goya, was established in 1818.

[Copyright EFE with Expatica]

Subject: Spanish news