5 reasons why Madrid is paradise for art enthusiasts

With direct flights to the city now available from Jeddah, the Spanish capital is just over six hours away, and is more accessible than ever.

Spain's capital city, Madrid is known for its vibrant culture, expansive park spaces, kitsch coffee shops and a buzzing nightlife. A captivating city that blends history, art, with its unique dynamic and energetic culture, an unforgettable experience awaits visitors, but in particular for those with an interest in art.

Aside from the numerous, internationally famous museums and galleries, the city itself stands as an open-air museum with a rich tapestry of artistic heritage just waiting to be explored.

Here are 5 reasons why Madrid is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts:

Discover art beyond the celebrated names

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Madrid's artistic treasures extend far beyond the iconic and world renowned museums.

The city has hidden charm and glittering gems just waiting to be discovered. Madrid is home to exquisite chapels such as the Baroque masterpiece, San Antonio de los Alemanes, with religious artefacts and masterful paintings. Dating back to the 17th centrury, this chapel is simple and unassuming from the outside, but visitors will be awestruck by the intricate interiors.

Famed for its detailed ceiling and dome frescos by Francisco de Goya, San Antonio de la Florida was once a chapel and now a museum dedicated to de Goya, it is designed in a Neoclassical style too beautiful not to witness firsthand.

Explore the splendour of Arabesque-inspired design

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Neo-Mudéjar architecture seamlessly blends traditional Spanish design with Moorish influences. Embracing local flair and Islamic influence, this unique style favours the creation of beautiful design elements using soft materials (bricks, tiles and ceramics) over hard materials (iron, cement), and it incorporates striking characteristics such as horseshoe arches, Arabesque tiling, and abstract brickwork adorning the facades of modern buildings.

Examples of this Neo-Mudéjar style architecture can be found throughout the city of Madrid, from the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Alcalá de Henares University and the intricate Arab Room in the Aranjuez Palace, to the largest and most iconic bullring in Spain, Las Ventas bullring, where the horseshoe arches echo a similar design in the captivating Fronton Beti Jai, a former pelota court.

Madrid's street art proves that art is for all

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The streets of Madrid are living canvases, and stand as a vibrant testament to the welcome embrace of contemporary artistic expression in the city alongside the celebrated works of internationally renowned traditional artists.

In neighbourhoods like Malasaña, the buildings morph into open-air galleries, pulsating with the energy of local and international artists in the form of vibrant murals and artistic impressions on various walls throughout the area.

But Madrid's artistic treasures aren't confined to walls: numerous iconic sculptures and fountains, such as the Cibeles Fountain and the Fallen Angel, add further layers of intrigue to the capital's cityscape, transforming the city of Madrid into a captivating open-air exhibit.

Catch awesome glimpses of modern and historic art on every corner

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Madrid is a dream destination for any art aficionado; with over 250 museums and galleries concentrated within its walls, it boasts nearly half of Spain's entire art scene. This translates to a captivating maze of artistic expression on almost every corner.

The city's vibrant art scene has fascinating historical roots. Originally, aristocratic and bourgeois families in the elegant Barrio de Salamanca began opening their private collections to the public after the war.

Following the arrival of democracy, a wave of art galleries flourished westward along Paseo de la Castellana, spilling into chic districts like Chamberí and Salesas. A must-visit addition to this ever-evolving scene is the recently opened Royal Collections Gallery, located within the Royal Palace complex. Explore its vast collection of over 155,000 artworks, offering a unique journey through Spanish Monarchy history and the artistic preferences of its monarchs, from the medieval era to Juan Carlos I.

Bask in the city's rich history of traditional art in The Golden Triangle

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Madrid's legendary Golden Triangle of Art is a hub of world-class museums.

The Golden Triangle of Art is a melting pot of art, and together the triangle's three world famous museums come together resulting the world's highest art-per-square-meter ratio.

• The Prado Museum is a treasure trove boasting an impressive collection of Spanish art, including iconic works by Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, and countless others.
• The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum offers a captivating journey through European art, with Renaissance masters like Titian and Raphael sharing the spotlight with Impressionists and Post-Impressionists.
• The Reina Sofia Museum is a haven for modern and contemporary art. Get ready to lose yourself in the visionary works of Dali, Miró, Picasso, and other Spanish giants.

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Madrid isn't just a destination; it's a living, breathing work of art. Come, and lose yourself in its captivating blend of history, art, and vibrant culture. An unforgettable artistic adventure awaits, discover more about Madrid here.

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This content is sponsored by Madrid Tourism