New halls with a total area of 17,000 sq. m were erected by the architect Rafael Moneo. At the same time, he turned to a laconic version of modernism, although the strict geometry of the new building is revived by a combination of bright building materials: red brick, granite, oak wood, marble.
Due to its restraint, the building is in harmony with the main building of the museum - a classic palace of the early 19th century.
The centerpiece of the new wing is the sculpture hall, where the cloister of the 15th century Geronimo church has been rebuilt. In addition, there will be halls for temporary exhibitions with a total area of 1400 sq. m, as well as special rooms for prints and drawings. The latter will allow exhibiting more than 1000 Goya etchings stored in the museum's storerooms.
Thanks to the Moneo extension, 40 rooms in the main building will be emptied and the museum “will be able to breathe freely,” according to the chief curator of the Prado, Gabriel Finaldi.
Both buildings will be connected by underground corridors.
The official opening of the new Prado wing to the public will take place this fall.
