OPEN AIR ART IN MADRID

MADRID COMES ALIVE WITH MENINAS
By SARA DARLING
​
Madrid is buzzing with culture at any time of year, but if you visit this November, you can join the hunt to find the eighty, 1.8-metre-tall figures, which have been commissioned to form an open air gallery around the city.  
This street museum comes with an interactive map, so visitors and art-lovers can explore new areas of the city, whilst tracking down the impressive sculptures, which each have a QR code that can be scanned with a mobile to explain the concept of the work.

Titled “The Meninas Art Gallery”, the artworks are inspired by the iconic Diego Velázquez painting, Las Meninas (Ladies in Waiting) which was created in 1656. The painting is one of the star attractions of Madrid’s Prado Museum, and depicts the young princess Margarita Teresa surrounded by several members of the court, including her ladies in waiting, dwarves and, in the background, Velázquez himself.

Taking inspiration from the characters in the art work, these large statement pieces have been commissioned to bring classical art to a new audience.  Each Menina has a different theme- including one celebrating the 25th anniversary of the TV series Friends, placed next to an imitation of the Central Perk sofa, whilst others will be auctioned for charity. 
With Meninas designed by notable Spanish figures including actors, designers, celebrities and athletes including Rafael Nadal, Rosana, Dani Rovira, Ouka Leele, Samantha Vallejo-Nágera, María Pombo and Quique Dacosta, the city will be filled with art lovers getting a selfie with their favourite.

Book a room at the art-lovers VP Plaza España Design 5* and you will be part of the exhibition. The luxury hotel offers a non-stop cultural agenda from art and culture to fashion and gastronomy, and will be home to the ‘Menina Lustre de Mar’ which is considered the most valuable and exclusive of the Menina in the collection, made with precious stones, gems and diamonds. Located in the Salamanca district, it is also the ideal spot to snap a pic by the creations in  the bustling Puerta del Sol to the Plaza Mayor, the city's grand central square.

The stylish hotel is also footsteps from the famous Prado Museum so guests can visit the original Velazquez painting to see the actual inspiration. The stylish hotel offers 111 rooms, rooftop pool, bowling alley, spa and gym, which is designed with the concept of Hedonist Luxury. 
Treat yourself this autumn and soak up Madrid's finest at the VP Plaza Design Hotel 5*.
www.blesscollectionhotels.com