The new wing of the Museo del Prado.
The new wing — named after a beautifully restored 17th-century cloister around which it was built — gives it the wherewithal to serve its visitors properly, including multiple entrances to cut down on the lines that used to snake around the building.
Given the cachet of its collection as well as the Spanish love for the Prado's elegant original building, designed by Juan de Villanueva in 1785, any kind of 21st-century starchitecture was not an option. While expanding the Prado by 50 percent, Mr. Moneo's building pays discreet homage to the original structure in both its spatial conception and its materials, like the deep-red brick adorning its facade.
Though linked by an underground vestibule, windows in each building offer views of the other so that visitors won't feel disoriented moving through the galleries, which for the first time in more than a decade will have room to showcase the museum's collection of 19th-century masters, like Sorolla, Fortuny and Madrazo.(The New York Times).
More temporary exhibitions for art-holics:
"La abstracción del paisaje" at Fundación Juan March. From October 5 to January 13. Works by Friedrich, Rothko, Turner, Constable, Gottlieb…
"El retrato moderno en España" at Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando". From October 17 to December 2. Works by Dalí, Picasso, Juan Gris, Sorolla, Romero de Torres, Anglada Camarasa, Vazquez Díaz…
"Arte latinoamericano" at Sala del BBVA. From September 21 to December 9. Works by Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Fernando Botero, Roberto Matta…
"Durero y Cranach" at Museo Thyssen. From October 9 to January 6. Works by Durero, Cranach, Altdorfer, Grien…
"Paula Rego" at Museo Reina Sofia. From September 20 to December 30.
"Los Etruscos" at Museo Arqueológico Nacional. From September 26 to January 2008. Etruscan pieces.

Madrid 'boring?' Not! Spend all-7 of your nights in Madrid and I can guarantee you will not be bored! But you must plan your days in each City to get the best from your visit.

Madrid has more & better daytrip opportunities than Barcelona: Tolédo & Segovia my favorites; but don't miss the Cities themselves and what they have to offer. As for Escorial, I would skip Vallé de los Caidos but visit the Monastery

Will you be arriving from the U.S. in the early AM? That will pretty much 'shape' your first day. If it's a Sunday and it's Barcelona, Parc Guell is good. If it's Madrid, Retiro Park (I'm not into Bullfights or Futbol).

Barcelona and Madrid are both spectacular cities.

I have visited Madrid many times and there is plenty to do, you will not be bored at all. You can find more info on http://www.cityguide.travel-guides.c...pe/Madrid.html .

Barcelona is also very nice indeed. A lot of sightseeing opportunities and you can even enjoy the beach and its facilities.

You will find good restaurants in both cities. Be sure you book a table before hand and it is wise to have a warm lunch between 14.00 and 15.30. Dinner only starts at 21.00 in Spain. I would suggest having a look in the Michelin guide with recommended restaurants.

I would spend one extra day in Barcelona.

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