We are going to be either in Madrid or in Seville for a week, arriving on April 7th. The 8th is Easter Sunday and I assume many things will be closed and I've heard the same will be true for Monday. What will be open during those days? Restaurants, museums, or will everything be shut down for 2 days?

Thanks.

Easter Monday isn't a public holiday in Spain, except in a couple areas (like Catalonia). It isn't in those cities. A lot of stores are closed on Sunday, anyway. A lot of restaurants may be closed Easter morning, but something will be open so you can eat, especially later on. I've been in both cities during that time, but I think I've only been in Madrid on Easter itself. I don't remember anything unusual about it, and I ate out every day (dinner at least). A lot of people go out to eat that day, I think. Some places will be closed if they usually are on Sunday, of course.

I really wouldn't worry about it. I think the Prado is open that day (Easter Sunday), as well as the Reina Sofia and other museums. The Pradio is normally closed Monday, anyway. Good Friday is more likely the day things would close, like museums.

Who told you a lot of things are closed on Easter Monday in Madrid?

The greatest holiday in Spain, everyone on the streets, at least in the South. Great bsuniess time for restaurants, that will not only be open but full packed. The Easter celebration in Sevilla is among the most famous in the world:
http://www.exploreseville.com/events/semana-santa.htm

Christina and kimhe... I think because I heard that Italy has some kind of holiday on the Monday after Easter I assumed it was all of Europe. Glad to know it won't be a problem. I think we'll be in Madrid over Easter, then moving on to Seville mid-week. Thanks for responding.