Madrid’s huge Prado Museum, which expanded a few years ago to take in two nearby buildings, has commissioned British ‘starchitect’ Norman Foster to convert part of a former palace into more exhibition space.
The Hall of Realms, the last standing building of the old Buen Retiro palace built in the 17th century will get a new facade, retaining elements of the old, and will add thousands of feet of new exhibition space. The Museum acquired the building last year.
The €30 million plan, developed together with Madrid Architect Carlos Rubio, says it “respects and values what is already there, adjusting it to the necessities of our times.” They plan to open up the south facade, creating a giant atrium that will make the building appear more open; at the same time, they will keep the original balconies.
The project could be completed in time for the Prado’s 200th anniversary in 1819, but no firm date was given.
