Description
For those who plan a short visit, we will kick off our conversation with the most iconic destinations within the city. Beginning from the rural – yet royal – origins of Madrid's historic center, we will virtually saunter down the impressive museum mile, which houses the major collections of El Prado, Thyssen, Reina Sofía, and the charms of Retiro Park. For travelers with a bit more time to spare, our expert will reveal additional treasures to explore in the city: exquisite houses which have become museums, a flea market with the best spots for local vermouth from the tap, royal Renaissance convents with astonishing art, beautiful cathedrals, and more.
Using the city as a departing point to discover the region, together we'll also explore options for one-day excursions which will take participants into the imposing palace-monastery of El Escorial, to stroll inside the medieval walls of Ávila, to admire the Roman aqueduct of Segovia, to learn about the "Imperial City" of Toledo, to discover the “tiny Versailles” of La Granja, and learn how strawberries and asparagus became famous thanks to the royal palace of Aranjuez.
Led by an expert on the history of Art and Photography, Marta López Beriso, this Conversation will provide participants with tips and ideas to plan their perfect trip to the city of Madrid. Designed to inspire future travel, participants will come away with an increased knowledge of the many wonderful experiences no itinerary would be complete without.
About Your Expert
Professor Marta López Beriso is an active scholar and educator in the field of Art History. She teaches at various American universities in Madrid. She holds degrees in Art History and Archaeology (B.A. Université de La Sorbonne-Paris IV), Arts and Culture Administration (M.A. Universidad de Barcelona), and a PhD in Art History, expertise in History of Photography (Universidad Complutense de Madrid). She is also the founder and director of “Aulas de Arte”, a private non-profit organization, dedicated to educational services in museums, nationwide and internationally. Born and raised in Madrid, she has studied in Paris and also worked in New York at the beginning of her professional career, at MOMA. Back in Madrid she feels the city as a cosmopolitan insider. She knows both the historical and traditional Madrid she discovered with her mother and grandmother as well as the most contemporary and alternative side of the city.
Audience
This conversation is suitable for all ages.
Duration
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.