Spain to expand cultural site

Spain on Wednesday unveiled plans for a new “Art Walk” to unify three prestigious museums in its capital, Madrid, as part of a $173-million expansion plan to rival cultural hubs in Washington, D.C., London and Berlin.

The colossal Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia modern art museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza collection already draw an estimated 3 million visitors a year and constitute one of the most impressive concentrations of art in the world.

The expansion aims to add more than 52,000 square meters of exhibition space by 2004. It will also provide libraries, auditoriums and new services for visitors.