I went to Portrait of Spain and this is what I ate


Discover a taste of Spain at the Queensland Art Gallery's Portrait of Spain exhibition (on until November 4) at their food pop-up La Sala del Prado.

The lower level of the Gallery has been transformed with an exciting area designed to stimulate and sooth, feed and relax, inspire and innovate.

Looking around the expansive space, I'm torn on what to do first.  Should I take a seat in a photo booth and turn myself into a Spanish portrait or pick up a colouring pencil draw a Spanish still life on thick art paper?  Maybe I'll try my hand at drawing on the computer tablet or play a Spanish card game?






Hey, I'm a food writer, so I head to the cafe or 'la sala' and line up a selection of Spanish themed treats.  There's a reasonable choice including tapas and very generously sized tortilla wraps which could easily be shared between two.  While I'm tucking into lunch a talented musician is playing Spanish guitar music. It's on from 12.30 to 2.30pm daily.


  I love the dark chocolate truffles and  well flavoured orange and almond cake sweet treats.


I'm envious of their long tables, cosy booth seats, oversized ottomans and cosy couches.


This add on to the 'Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado' exhibition of more than 100 Spanish masterpieces from the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid is on in conjunction with the exhibition until November 4.

The Mueseo Nacional del Prado is Spain's national art museum and holds one of the most significan collections of European  painting in the world.

'Portrait of Spain' is the first exhibition from the Prado to be shown in Australia. You'll see work

The Prado Portraits interactive is a chance to put yourself into the picture frame to become a Spanish royal subject, a cupid or even a saint, and find out facts about the original subject’s accessories, dress and posture. Then you can email your Prado portraits to family and friends.


My fingers are itching, inspired by the  fruits, spices and produce introduced to Spain during periods of travel to the new world in the fifteenth century, from chocolate and the vanilla bean to legumes and potatoes, all I want to do is take up coloured pencils or a multimedia tablet and draw from the vibrant display.



This area is going to come even more alive with Prado Up Late from August 31.La Sala del Prado interactive lounge will  the hub for Prado Up Late where audiences can immerse themselves in Spanish culture, join friends for a drink or bite to eat in the Spanish themed bar and take in talks on contemporary Spanish fashion, food, design and culture. A line-up of international, national and local performers will take to the stage in the spectacular setting of the adjacent Gallery Watermall.

Tickets are $22 and are available through Qtix via www.qtix.com.au or telephone 136 246 (booking fees apply) and at the Queensland Art Gallery ticket desk on the night (subject to availability). Members $20.

Disclaimer:  This is not a sponsored post. E,d+bK enjoyed lunch compliments of QAG.