Two major exhibitions showcase the works of two of the world's most important artists: Joaquín Sorolla and Henri Matisse.

Madrid will definitely be the place for art lovers this summer. On May 26 the Prado will present "Joaquín Sorolla (1863 - 1923)," the first major monographic exhibition devoted to the artist since 1963. One of the key figures in the history of Spanish art and the most internationally-known artist of his day, Sorolla worked in a realistic style and captured the magical light of Valencia's Mediterranean coast.

Running through September 6, this comprehensive survey will present Sorolla's finest works, including the fourteen panels known as the Vision of Spain painted for the Hispanic Society of America which took the artist seven years to complete. Not for 45 years has there been a show this extensive or of such high quality, with many of the artist’s finest works – figures in the open air and by the sea – painted with vibrant colors and flashes of blinding light.

Kicking off June 9, the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza will present a major exhibition, "Matisse: 1917 – 1941." Designed to showcase a little-studied period in the artist’s life and works, the show will present some 80 paintings, sculptures and drawings from two critical dates. Marked by the shadow of World War I and the forebodings of the next world conflict, the period was one of rapid ascent for Matisse, and this exhibition aims to present the artist's central role in the flourishing of modern art during this era. More than 50 museums and private collections have lent works – many never before exhibited in Spain – for the show, which will run through September 20.

"Joaquín Sorolla (1863 - 1923)" was curated by José Luis Díez, the Prado's Head of 19th Century Painting Department and Javier Barón, 19th Century Painting Department. The Prado Museum is located on Paseo del Prado. Open daily, except Mondays, from 9 AM to 8 PM. Admission is about $8.15, or 6 euros, except Tuesdays through Saturdays from 6 to 8 PM and Sundays from 5 to 8 PM when it is free. Visitors under 18, over 65 and students from EU countries under 25 are admitted free of charge. Students from non-EU countries under 25 pay about $4.10, or 3 euros. An entrance fee may be charged for temporary exhibitions. Call: 011-34-91-330-28-00, or go to www.museodelprado.es.

The curator for "Matisse: 1917-1941" is Tomás Llorens, the museum's former director. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is located at Paseo del Prado, 8 and is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 AM to 7 PM. During July and August, the temporary exhibitions will remain open until 11 PM Tuesdays to Saturdays. (Closed Mondays.) Admission to the temporary exhibition is about $6.80 (5 euros) and about $4.75 (3.50 euros) for students and seniors. Combined tickets for the temporary exhibitions and permanent collection range from $12.20 (9 euros) to $6.80 (5 euros) for students and seniors.

For information go to www.museothyssen.org or call 011-34-91-369-01-05. Images can be downloaded at: http://www.museothyssen.org/thyssen/comunicacion/archivos/2009/Exposicion-Matisse/Inicio.htm

For further information about Spain, contact your travel provider or the Tourist Office of Spain in New York (212-265-8822); Miami (305-358-1992); Chicago (312-642-1992) or Los Angeles (323-658-7195) or go to www.spain.info.