Madrid’s three greatest art museums are all located on or near the Paseo del Prado, a boulevard designed for leisure and learning during the reign of Carlos III in the eighteenth century. Now it is becoming known as the Paseo del Arte, or Art Walk, and in the next few years it will be developed as a grand urban promenade. The Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofia museums contain some of the most famous artworks in the world, and for many people are the main reason for visiting Madrid.

All three museums have been undergoing expansion in recent years to provide more space for their prestigious collections. The most far reaching changes are taking place at the Prado, where work is under way on neighbouring buildings that will eventually cerate a huge complex across the hill above the Paseo del Prado.