June 17: The Prado Museum, Chueca, and San Antonio del los Alemanes
Today was a wonderful, full day in Madrid, with such a wide variety of sights that we enjoyed them so much we forgot to take very many photos! We spent almost three hours inside the Prado museum (where we weren’t allowed to take photos), two hours eating and browsing cafes and vintage shops in the bohemian neighborhood of Chueca, and then an hour visiting the beautiful Baroque Monasterio de San Plácido and church of San Antonio de los Alemanes. Some students headed back to the hotel for an hour of rest before dinner while others explored the neighborhood of Malasaña and enjoyed churros dipped in melted chocolate at one of the most famous chocolaterias in the city. We reconnected for dinner and a delicious gelato on our way home. As we prepare for our last day in Madrid tomorrow, we are both excited for all the exciting activities it will bring and sad that our time here is nearing an end.
Reflection by Sammi Winogradoff
Today, as our trip is coming to an end, we took a self-guided tour of the Prado Museum in Madrid. Though the museum was so large, each piece of art held a sense of smallness. Not only was I able to look at the magnificent pieces of art, but I also saw a person's face light up as they walked past a piece that truly touched them, and that, in itself, is a form of art. When the piece sitting in front of you makes you feel something. This museum was a symbol of Spain’s culture, history, and artistic achievements. Through thinking about my tour, I came to realize that the Prado Museum is much more than simply a place that holds pictures; it is a place where history, culture, and art come together to represent Spain and its achievements.
Reflection by Ava Ortiz
Today we visited the Prado Museum in Madrid. The Prado Museum showcases pieces owned by monarchs, primarily from the 16th and 17th centuries, demonstrating Spain’s passion for art collecting. The museum is famous for its works by El Greco, Velázquez, Titian, and many more. Because there are so many famous pieces on display at The Prado Museum, it attracts a large crowd. The museum averages about 10,000 visitors per day and welcomed a record-breaking 3,653,738 visitors in 2025. During our visit we walked through the temporary exhibitions such as In the Italian Manner. Spain and the Mediterranean Gothic, 1320-1420. This exhibit features 100 pieces loaned from various other museums that show how Italian works were reformulated by Spanish artists to create a sophisticated visual experience. This exhibit in particular stood out to me because it comes before the Renaissance and establishes the Trecento style and a vibrant artistic vision. After enjoying a few hours at the museum, we went shopping in the Malasana neighborhood and ended the day with dinner at Fresc Co. and gelato!
