Prado Museum Closes All Public Programming Following Tragic Toledo Train Crash
The Museo del Prado has announced the cancellation of all scheduled public activities through Monday, November 2nd, as the museum joins in national mourning following a high-speed train collision in central Spain.
The decision follows a railway disaster near Urda, in the province of Toledo, which has left at least 74 dead and dozens injured. The incident has prompted official declarations of mourning and solidarity initiatives from major public and cultural organizations across the country.
In an official statement released by the museum, leadership expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the victims:
"El Museo del Prado cancela todas sus actividades programadas hasta el lunes 2 de noviembre, en señal de duelo y consternación ante el dramático accidente ferroviario ocurrido en la localidad de Urda (Toledo). La institución envía un sentido abrazo a los familiares y allegados de las personas afectadas por esta terrible tragedia."
(“The Prado Museum is cancelling all scheduled activities until Monday, November 2nd, as a sign of mourning and dismay following the dramatic train accident in Urda (Toledo). The institution sends its heartfelt sympathy to the families and loved ones of those affected by this terrible tragedy.”)
The Prado Museum is canceling its activities until November 2, but it is not closing its doors.
Other major museums in Madrid have taken similar steps. The Thyssen Museum has canceled its public activities until Saturday, October 31, and postponed the first lecture of the series Dali’s Freudian Universe, originally scheduled for these days. Its opening hours remain unchanged and can be consulted on the Thyssen website.
The Reina Sofía National Art Centre Museum had no activities scheduled for the coming days, according to museum sources. The Reina Sofía maintains its exhibition programming without changes, having no public events to suspend.