Quotes of the Day

Add one to the list. On Oct. 18, Madrid's San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts became the latest destination on the Picasso pilgrimage route when it opened a roomful of sculptures and etchings by the 20th century's most famous artist. In truth, those works — along with dozens of others by important modern Spanish artists — have been hanging in the esteemed institution for years. Until now, however, almost no one could see them. In 2002, the Academy opened a third floor dedicated to contemporary and modern works like Juan Gris' Fruit Bowl and Newspaper (1920), pictured. But just one day after the debut, a lack of security guards forced the new galleries to close. Since then, only members have had viewing privileges. "People would accuse us of being élitist and denying ordinary citizens the right to see these works," says Mercedes González de Amezua, the museum's curator. "But every one us of here wanted them open to the public." They got their wish. When another Madrid museum closed this fall for renovations, the Academy borrowed its guards. To celebrate, the San Fernando has reopened the third floor, and mounted a special exhibit of paintings, sculptures and photography by current Academy members. But the security team is only on loan until early January. "We don't know what happens after that," says Amezua. "We have to wait and see if the government sends us more guards." http://rabasf.insde.es

• Lisa Abend
• A Madrid collection of 20th-Century masters finally goes on show