It was only in 1996 that the Ministry of Culture realized the lack of space in the main building and called a public contest for the addition. Thus, the project presented by Moneo, “Buen Retiro”, was unanimously chosen out of more than 700 projects submitted.
The proposed plan included the addition of a new building with a new floor plan around the restored cloister of the Jerónimos. The extension plan provides the Museum with adequate space and facilities for the development of its internal activities. In addition, the extension of the Jerónimos allowed for the recovery of a quarter of the space of the main building.