The Museo del Prado is a museum in Madrid, the capital of Spain. It features one of the world's finest collections of European art, from the 12th century to the early 19th century, based on the former Spanish Royal Collection. Founded as a museum of paintings and sculpture, it also contains important collections of other types of works. El Prado is one of the most visited sites in the world, and it is considered to be among the greatest museums of art. The principal attraction takes root in the wide presence of Velázquez, Francisco de Goya (the artist more extensively represented in the collection), Titian, Rubens and Bosch, of that it possesses the best collections that exist on a global scale

The collection currently comprises around 7,600 paintings, 1,000 sculptures, 4,800 prints and 8,200 drawings, in addition to a large number of works of art and historic documents. By 2012 the Museum will be displaying about 1300 works in the main buildings, while around 3,100 works are on temporary loan to various museums and official institutions

The main objective of the Museo del Prado is to accomplish the following purposes:

• Guarantee the protection, conservation as well as encouraging the enrichment and improvement of the Spanish Heritage related to the Museum.


• Exhibit the Collection in accurate conditions in order to allow its enjoyment and study.


• Foster and guarantee access to the collection. Provide the study of collections to researchers. Boost knowledge and promotion of the Museum's works of art and heritage supporting educational programs and cultural disclosure activities.


• Develop research programs as well as training programs to professionals. Organize temporary exhibitions in collaboration with other museums, universities and/or cultural institutions in a mutual compromise just to achieve the exhibition's purpose. Encourage partnership with institutions within or closely linked to the Public Administration, paying attention to those with a high approach and profile in the museum field.


• Offer services of counseling, researching, scientific or technical reporting, to State General Administration's bodies if required, or if related with agreements or contracts granted to both public and private entities or individuals, as long as it complains with previously settled conditions and requirements.