Mexico’s President Felipe Calderón inaugurated the exhibition on “Treasures of Spain’s Royal Palaces: A Shared History,” the first international exhibition at the National Gallery.
The president declared that this exhibition confirms the links between Spain and Mexico since it includes over 270 original works from famous Spanish institutions such as the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Royal Palace of Aranjuez, the Royal Monastery of St. Lawrence of the Escorial and the El Prado Museum.
He explained that the exhibition will include paintings by major artists such as Titian, Paolo Veronese, El Greco, Rubens, Velázquez, Zurbarán and Goya and items and furniture used by the Spanish monarchs and produced by the greatest craftsmen and goldsmiths of Europe, such as Charles V’s portable altar and desk and his armor. It will also display 100 pieces from the vice-regal period in Mexico, reflecting the splendor achieved during that era, such as portraits of the viceroys, screens with decorations reflecting the cultural connectivity between Asia, America and Europe.
The president announced that a special hall has been opened in the National Palace called “Testimonies of the Nation. Pieces and Mementoes of Mexico’s Independence, the Reform and the Mexican Revolution.” The hall will remain open until September 2012 and contains 26 pieces selected from the “Mexico 200 years. A Nation under Construction,” exhibition staged to celebrate the Year of the Nation.
The president concluded by inviting families, young people, children and all Mexicans to visit the exhibition. Admission will be free and the exhibition will run until May 31, 2012.
