Designed by architect Juan de Villanueva in 1785, the Museo Nacional del Prado was constructed to house the Natural History Cabinet. Years later, King Ferdinand VII repurposed the building to house paintings and sculptures. The building became The National Museum of Paintings and Sculptures, which was later renamed to Museo Nacional del Prado. The art museum contains artworks beloved by Spain’s 16th- and 17th-century monarchs. Its doors were opened to the public in November 1819.