Voces del Prado

The Friends Foundation: a great help

Rafael Moneo Vallés, Trustee and architect of the Jerónimos extension, 1994-What's on

I’m not exactly sure how many years the Friends Foundation has existed. Maybe twenty-five years. I believe it was set up and organised by a group of people who understand that they can help the Museum through their collaboration. The wheels of Spanish Government always turn slowly and entail all kinds of bureaucratic obligations that make any direct assistance or attention difficult. I believe that if the Director of the Museum, the people who work there and the visitors who enjoy the Museum feel they can rely on a group that is prepared to help as far as possible, then this constitutes a valuable contribution. Furthermore, if that many people feel they can do something for an institution they feel so much affection for and feel so close to, such as the Prado, then this is a very good thing. I believe that for the Friends themselves, this feeling that they can do something for the Prado justifies their ongoing presence. Amongst the many initiatives promoted by the Friends, the one I have always found most attractive is that of completing the Museum’s appeal by adding some purchase to the art collection each year, within the limits of possibility. I believe this is a lovely idea for the Friends of the Prado: being able to see that they can achieve something for the Museum each year.