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The monument to Velázquez on the Paseo del Prado undergoes a full restoration
Madrid has begun work on one of its cultural icons: the monument to Diego Velázquez that stands opposite the Museo del Prado.
Under the direction of the Área de Cultura, Turismo y Deporte, and supervised by delegate Marta Rivera de la Cruz, conservation work valued at nearly 28,000 euros is being carried out, with the aim of ensuring the long-term preservation of this historic work.
The intervention ranges from cleaning and treating the bronze sculpture to restoring the limestone pedestal and granite base. Specialised restoration techniques will be used to remove oxidation, repair joints, eliminate biological growth, and protect the surface with varnishes and waterproofing agents. The entire process follows the guidelines of the Instituto del Patrimonio Cultural de España.
To minimise visual impact, the area is covered by a canvas reproducing the image of the monument. Inaugurated in 1899 and signed by sculptor Aniceto Marinas together with architect Vicente Lampérez y Romea, the piece is a tribute to one of the great masters of universal painting and a reminder of Madrid's commitment to its artistic and architectural legacy.