Voces del Prado

Cashing the Entrance Ticket Money in the 1980’s

Francisco Manso Guerrero, Gallery attendant and Clerical Support, 1966-1991

Later on, they moved the manager’s office to floor above, over the Velázquez Entrance. And that’s where Manolo was with the Manager, who was Santiago Patón. Every day Manolo had to collect the takings; they were given to him, although later on that changed. He collected all of the takings and took them to Banco Banesto and handed in the envelope to the bank staff. This changed later on, because that responsibility was contracted out to the security firm, Esabe. But in the beginning, it was the messenger who carried out this task every day, and Manolo would complain, saying, “one day I’m going to be attacked!” When the Museum closed, the janitors had to go up to make a note of the counters on the entry and exit turnstiles, because they both had counting systems. When some guest or family member came, then the little gate was opened so that the turnstile didn’t record it.