His Majesty King Felipe of Spain and former United States President Barack Obama visited the Queen Sofía National Art Centre Museum on Saturday, 7 July in Madrid. Casa Real dubbed the trip a “private visit.”
The King received President Obama at the Nouvel Gate upon the latter’s arrival. Obama, who is in town to attend the International Summit on Technological Innovation and Circular Economy organised by the Advanced Leadership Foundation, was not accompanied by his wife, former First Lady Michelle Obama.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey
His Majesty and Obama were given a guided tour by the museum’s director, Manuel Borja-Villel. The journey began in room 206 which contains the work “El Guernica” by Picasso.
The King and President view Picasso’s El Guernica. © Casa de S.M. el Rey
They also were able to observe works by Dalí. © Casa de S.M. el Rey
The tour continued through the cloister of the museum and room 205 which contains works by Salvador Dalí. When the tour concluded, King Felipe gave President Obama a copy of a book related to Picasso’s El Guernica.
The King had written a short message in the book which said, “To President Barack Obama, as a testimony of my friendship and affection and in remembrance of our shared visit to the Guernica painting, a timeless icon of the most universal art.”
He also signed it Felipe R with the day of 7th July 2018.
The King presenting the book to President Obama. © Casa de S.M. el Rey
Barack Obama, a Democrat and Nobel Peace Prize winner, served as the 44th President of the United States of America from 20 January 2009 to 20 January 2017. He was the first African American to serve as President of the United States. Those who have been President continue to hold the title throughout their life.
