The Prado National Museum, located in Madrid, Spain, is one of the most important art museums in the world. It has an extensive collection of European art, dating from the 12th century to the 19th century. The museum's collection includes works by some of the most celebrated artists in history, including Francisco de Goya, Diego Velázquez, El Greco, Peter Paul Rubens, and Hieronymus Bosch.
The museum was originally founded in the late 18th century by Charles III of Spain. Initially, the collection consisted of art that had been collected by the Spanish monarchy. Over time, the museum's collection grew as works of art were added from various sources, including acquisitions and donations.
One of the most famous works in the Prado is "Las Meninas" by Velázquez, which is widely considered one of the greatest paintings of all time. Other notable works include "The Third of May 1808" by Goya, "The Garden of Earthly Delights" by Bosch, and "The Descent from the Cross" by Rogier van der Weyden.
The museum is housed in a neoclassical building designed by architect Juan de Villanueva. The building has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years to accommodate the growing collection.
Today, the Prado National Museum is a major cultural institution and a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. It is a must-see for anyone interested in art history and the cultural heritage of Spain.