Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (Beck Building)

The MFAH presents more than 100 masterworks from one of the world’s most renowned collections of European painting. Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado comes to Houston on exclusive U.S. loan as part of a new initiative by the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid to broaden access to its holdings.

The exhibition tells the story of the evolution of painting in Spain from the 16th through 19th centuries and explores how artists reflected the sweeping changes in society, culture, politics, and religion that contributed to the development of a modern Spanish identity. Masterpieces by the leading painters of the day from each of the four centuries are included, with works by Francisco de Goya, El Greco, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, and Diego Velázquez. Artists who worked for the royal court and directly influenced the development of painting in Spain are also well represented, with superb paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, and Titian. Portrait of Spain opens at the MFAH following the premiere at the Queensland Art Gallery in Brisbane, Australia, the first stop on this two-venue tour.

The exhibition is accompanied by an illustrated catalogue, available through The MFAH Shop.

Tickets

Admission to this exhibition requires a timed-entry ticket, which also provides general admission to the museum. MFAH Members receive free tickets based on level of membership. For the general public, tickets are $18 for adults; $15 for senior adults (65 and older), students with valid ID, and youth ages 6 to 18. Reduced-rate tickets are available on Thursday, in accordance with the Free Thursday program sponsored by Shell. Audio guides are available at the rate of $5 for adults and senior adults (65 and older); $4 for youth ages 6 to 18; and $3 for MFAH Members.