Villanueva building, Neoclassical museum building in Jerónimos district, Madrid, Spain
The Villanueva building displays symmetrical proportions with a central portico supported by Doric columns and two lateral wings extending from the main entrance.
Construction started in 1785 under Charles III as a Natural History Cabinet, but Napoleon's troops used it as barracks during the War of Independence.
The structure houses the main galleries of the Prado Museum, which opened in 1819 with a collection of 311 Spanish paintings and royal art pieces.
The building connects to modern extensions through underground corridors, providing additional exhibition spaces and improved circulation for visitors throughout the museum complex.
The stone facade incorporates granite from the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains and white limestone from Colmenar, materials selected for their durability and local significance.
Location: Jerónimos
Architects: Juan de Villanueva, Antonio López Aguado
Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture
Part of: Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a landscape of Arts and Sciences
GPS coordinates: 40.41389,-3.69250
Latest update: May 11, 2025 04:43
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