Modernization at the Prado Museum

The Spanish economy is mired in a recession, which inevitably affected all cultural institutions, which are highly dependent on state funding. Some museums have to put up with a 70 percent reduction in their operating budgets.

Even the most revered museum in Madrid, the Prado (Museo del Prado), has not escaped the effects of the economic crisis. In recent years, the contribution of the Spanish Ministry of Culture has decreased from $ 51 million to $ 14.5 million. However, despite the reduction, Prado managed to adapt, receiving new sources of funding, curtailing some projects, but retaining others. He achieved record attendance - almost 3 million people a year. In general, this is a delicate balance, the creation and maintenance of which the museum is fully obliged to its director Miguel Zugaza.

Sugasa, 49, a tall, disarmingly courteous and openly proud of his Basque heritage, has been at the helm of the museum since 2002. During this period, Prado experienced physical and administrative changes equal to his 200-year history: in 2003 he rewrote his administrative statutes, radically changed the internal structure, and in 2007 expanded according to the project of Rafael Moneo, thus increasing their exhibition space is 50 percent. He also added new key departments and modernized his operations by developing the office; expanded the program of communication with the press and the public; created a well-functioning website; increased hours of work; created a world-class conservation and restoration studio and launched top-class educational programs. And also, he upgraded the lighting system of all expositions.

Marc Roglán, former Prado curator, says: “Under the leadership of Miguel, Prado has become a completely different place. He, as a great director of the orchestra, knows how to talk with everyone - politicians, administrators, curators, teachers. He knows how to get the most out of everyone, and get what he wants. ”

Given the cramped financial situation of the museum, Sugas had to suspend the planned inclusion of a nearby 17th-century palace in the constellation of the Prado exhibition space, the construction of an internal storage facility, and some planned large-scale exhibitions, such as Lucian Freud’s shows. But at the same time, Prado did not have to fire a single employee, which is completely the merit of the director of the museum. He also, of all, supports one of his most cherished projects - a new research center, as well as annual training programs led by world experts in the field of art.

Anna Sidorova © Gallerix.ru