Madrid’s Prado Museum marks 500th anniversary of Council of State with special portrait itinerary

Visitors to Madrid have a fresh reason to explore the permanent collection at the Museo Nacional del Prado. To commemorate the 500th anniversary of Spain’s Council of State, the landmark art museum has launched a special thematic route that reinterprets its masterpieces through five centuries of national history and politics.

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Five centuries of art and authority

Running from 15 June 2026 to 20 September 2026, The Council of State and the Museo del Prado itinerary guides culture lovers through 13 carefully curated works located in the museum's Villanueva Building. Devised in partnership with the advisory body, the route highlights how portraiture evolved from a display of royal status into a medium for public service, reform and institutional memory.

Key masterpieces along the self-guided trail include:

• 16th Century: Titian’s iconic portrait of Emperor Charles V, founder of the Council of State, displayed in Room 27.

• 17th Century (Baroque): Peter Paul Rubens’s Equestrian Portrait of the Duke of Lerma in Room 28, Diego Velázquez’s depiction of the Count-Duke of Olivares, and Juan Carreño de Miranda’s portrayal of the Duke of Pastrana.

• 18th Century (Enlightenment): Jacopo Amiconi’s likeness of the Marquess of La Ensenada, alongside Francisco de Goya’s portraits of Jovellanos and the Count of Floridablanca.

• 19th Century: Antonio María Esquivel’s group portrait of contemporary poets, featuring literary figures who also served on the council, as well as period lithographs and early photography.

Visitor details

Travelers planning a trip to Madrid can access the special route inside the main permanent collection space. Entry details and exhibition materials are available for visitors looking to experience this unique historical perspective:

• Venue: Villanueva Building, Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid.

• Exhibition Dates: 15 June 2026 – 20 September 2026.

• Ticketing: Standard museum entry tickets can be purchased via the official Prado website, with accompanying printed brochures and multimedia guides available on site.