Voces del Prado

The Casón, finally open to the public

Javier Docampo Capilla, Head of the Library, Documentation and Archives Area, 2005-2016

The opening of the Casón was another very special moment. The building had acquired somewhat of a legendary status in Madrid, because it had been closed for so long and it was a well-known fact that the works had been toilsome. It was attempted to excavate in the basements to gain space, which almost led to the building caving in, though fortunately things turned out all right. In spite of all the difficulties, we managed to stick our head out. Today I still remember the first Book Nights we started to celebrate, which have become a tradition at the Museum. Book Nights are celebrated every year on 23 April to celebrate Book Day, coinciding with the anniversary of the death of Cervantes. At the beginning they started out as open door sessions, we would be open and whoever wanted to could come in. Some displays explained things about the paintings on the dome and about the Library. It was quite emotional for many people, recovering an important and interesting place they had never seen. Then it became a custom to have a concert in the reading room, which continued this year and I presume it will take place again in 2018. It is an interesting activity open to everyone, even to people who aren't really interested in the Library.