Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
I've posted far too infrequently than I originally intended during this study abroad experience, but hopefully I'll get back on track with the intention of appending photos to their respective posts at a later date.
Today, Nebrija students had the opportunity to sign-up and attend a tour of Museo Reina Sofía led by professors from the university. I had put my name down and tossed the event on my phone weeks ago, only to realize about an hour or two before that I'd be making my way across the city via Línea 27.
Upon arrival at the museum, just the vast size of the building was quick to astound. To my surprise, adjacent to the main buildings were a library and bookstore in modern style, apropos in regard to the style of art for which it is known.
As per usual, we broke up into our small groups according to level and climbed several flights of steel-plated staircases. During an abridged introduction of the museum, it was shared that these buildings had previously functioned as hospitals, so recently that one of the professors on the excursion had been born here. It's a spectacular thing to imagine.
We then found the concrete walls and wood floors that held their respective paintings and scriptures of relatively recent acclaim. As a modern art museum, most of the paintings had been brought to life within the last 150 years. By comparison, UF has some reference materials available for public loan which are decades older.
Most artists were of Spanish origin or created their most popular work while living in Spain. Notables included Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí among others. Of the many works to which we were made witness, El Guernica made its presence known in stature and symbolism. In response to the Spanish Civil War, many of its motifs both large and small would likely have been lost on me if not for a detailed 15 minute explanation, en español, por supuesto, provided by our guiding professor. After cultivating my own opinions about this work through close-up inspection, I have to say that the Spanish textbooks of my high school years just don't do it justice. There's something unique about this work that can't be captured outside of ten meters in physical distance.
Following the established protocol of all protectors and shelters of the antiquated, aged, and culturally relevant that have passed down through the decades and centuries by our forebears, I stopped by the gift shop to look at the trinkets and baubles available for takeout. As I did my rounds, I discovered a quaint coffee cup and walked away its proud owner only minutes later to the tune of nine euros.
An afternoon well spent by all measures, and we received a free ticket to return at a later date if we so chose. Just another day in Madrid.
Today, Nebrija students had the opportunity to sign-up and attend a tour of Museo Reina Sofía led by professors from the university. I had put my name down and tossed the event on my phone weeks ago, only to realize about an hour or two before that I'd be making my way across the city via Línea 27.
Upon arrival at the museum, just the vast size of the building was quick to astound. To my surprise, adjacent to the main buildings were a library and bookstore in modern style, apropos in regard to the style of art for which it is known.
As per usual, we broke up into our small groups according to level and climbed several flights of steel-plated staircases. During an abridged introduction of the museum, it was shared that these buildings had previously functioned as hospitals, so recently that one of the professors on the excursion had been born here. It's a spectacular thing to imagine.
We then found the concrete walls and wood floors that held their respective paintings and scriptures of relatively recent acclaim. As a modern art museum, most of the paintings had been brought to life within the last 150 years. By comparison, UF has some reference materials available for public loan which are decades older.
Most artists were of Spanish origin or created their most popular work while living in Spain. Notables included Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí among others. Of the many works to which we were made witness, El Guernica made its presence known in stature and symbolism. In response to the Spanish Civil War, many of its motifs both large and small would likely have been lost on me if not for a detailed 15 minute explanation, en español, por supuesto, provided by our guiding professor. After cultivating my own opinions about this work through close-up inspection, I have to say that the Spanish textbooks of my high school years just don't do it justice. There's something unique about this work that can't be captured outside of ten meters in physical distance.
Following the established protocol of all protectors and shelters of the antiquated, aged, and culturally relevant that have passed down through the decades and centuries by our forebears, I stopped by the gift shop to look at the trinkets and baubles available for takeout. As I did my rounds, I discovered a quaint coffee cup and walked away its proud owner only minutes later to the tune of nine euros.
An afternoon well spent by all measures, and we received a free ticket to return at a later date if we so chose. Just another day in Madrid.