The Prado Museum is currently preparing the events to commemorate its bicentennial, which will officially begin on November 19, marking 199 years since its inauguration.
However, despite the celebratory atmosphere surrounding this major milestone, water flow and the water table beneath the foundations of this landmark building—designed by architect Juan de Villanueva and recently expanded by Navarrese architect Rafael Moneo—are a source of concern. In 2014, these issues had already caused leaks, cracks, and dampness.
According to the Spanish newspaper El País, the museum commissioned a report following the appearance of these structural issues. The report concluded that "the aquifer could drown the museum if drainage wells are not built to pump out the water."
The report also states that the 30-meter-deep concrete retaining walls built during the Moneo-designed expansion in 2007 are not angled with the groundwater flow. Consequently, they block and alter its course, hindering natural drainage and potentially explaining the cracks and dampness.
“Water beneath the museum does not surprise me,” Moneo told El País. “We installed two wells in the Jerónimos area because we expected water coming from the Retiro. We knew that the retaining walls would interrupt the natural underground flow. That is why we built the two wells—because the water had to be properly channeled.”
However, although Moneo’s team designed several wells inside and outside the institution to pump out water, the report concludes they are insufficient to maintain the building’s structural and hydraulic stability. In fact, if pumping were to stop, the building would be at risk of sinking.
Via El País.
This article was written by Javier García Librero. The translation is powered by AI.
