The Prado Museum in Madrid is undoubtedly the museum to visit during your stay in Madrid. It is, of course, one of our recommended places to visit if you are planning a trip to Madrid. This huge building in the heart of the city is located on the Paseo del Arte, not far from Retiro Park. This museum is so popular because it houses a large collection of Spanish art. To help you make the most of your visit Prado Museum, we’ve put together some information and practical tips.
How do I Visit Prado Museum ?
The Prado Museum is particularly large. Its side entrance through the Jerónimos gate is an access point for those who have already bought their tickets online. You can also enter through the Goya gate if you don’t have electronic tickets.
Level 0 is huge and it can be a bit tricky to understand where to start.
This is also where you can leave your jackets or suitcases in the lockers provided. There is also a shop and cafeteria on the same level.
Information points are also available here, including audioguide hire to liven up your visit.
The Prado Museum is divided into 3 sections
- The Jéronimo building, which houses temporary exhibitions on levels 0 and 1, as well as the cloister on level 2.
- The Prado, the main building housing the permanent European collections.
- The Villanueva building, which houses paintings and sculptures.
What works are on display at the Prado in Madrid?
With its 8,000 paintings, 1,000 sculptures, 3,000 prints and more than 6,000 drawings, the Prado Museum boasts Europe’s largest collection. It includes works by the greatest painters: Velazquez, Goya, El Greco, Tiziniano, Rubens….
The Prado covers Iberian painting from the 12th to the 19th century, with famous Spanish works by El Greco (The Adoration of the Shepherd), Velazquez (Las Meninas, The Spinners) and Goya (The Nude Maja, Tres de Mayo, and Saturn Devouring One of His Children).
You can also admire a replica of the Mona Lisa, painted by one of Leonardo da Vinci’s students.
There is also a very large collection of works by the Flemish School, including works by Bosch (The Garden of Delights), Rubens (The Adoration of the Magi, The Three Graces), the Brueghel family (Allegory of the Five Senses) and Van Dyck.
Where can I buy tickets for the Prado Museum?
Tickets for the Prado can be purchased on site. Obviously, this option is less convenient as you have to queue when you arrive at the site.
The best option is to book your tickets online so you don’t have to queue at the ticket office. There are several options:
- Tickets can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled date. Your visit is scheduled and the flexibility of the ticket is appreciated. Book your flexible ticket here. The price is €18 (on the Prado website: €15). A higher price but a flexibility that is sometimes necessary during your stay.
- Buy your ticket on the museum website (non-refundable).
Reduced-price tickets
Large families, over-65s and people with a valid Carte Jeune will be admitted to the museum at a reduced rate of €7.5. Go to the Prado Museum ticket office.
Visit the Prado Museum for free?
The Prado Museum offers free time slots:
- Monday to Saturday: 6pm to 8pm.
- Sundays and public holidays from 17:00 to 19:00.
- Admission is also free all day on 19 November (Museo del Prado anniversary) and 18 May (International Museum Day).
Admission to the Prado Museum is also free for children under the age of 18, students aged between 18 and 25, journalists, people with reduced mobility and the unemployed, subject to presentation of proof at the ticket office.
There are many free museums in Madrid, see our article: Free museums in Madrid
Visit the Prado Museum with a guide
It’s not always easy to understand the works that make up this legendary museum. A visit accompanied by a guide will help you understand the artists’ intentions and place the work in its historical context.
- You can combine a guided tour of the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace for €65. Info and bookings here.
- Skip The Line & Guided Tour 2 hours, from 37€. Info and Booking here
- Skip the line and guide Tour,1,50 hours from 35€. Info and booking here.
- Sometimes, guides will be waiting for you inside at the entrance (tours in Spanish or English). Their availability may be unpredictable, but you should be aware that you can also find one at the last minute by visiting the site. I don’t know how much they cost.
- You can also take a guided tour directly with the Prado’s official guides. There are 2 visits in English per day, depending on the period. Infos Here.
Leave your luggage behind and visit with your hands free! From €5 per day
Take advantage of our 10% discount code
How long will it take to visit the Prado Museum?
With a guide, this will last for the duration of the guided tour, usually between 1? and 2 hours. After this time spent with the guide, you will have seen the major paintings in the museum, with lots of new stories and exciting information in your head about the works as well as the history of Madrid and the country.
Otherwise, for a single visit, it’s very variable, especially if you’re with children. You can visit the Prado Museum in 1 hour or 5 hours. If you want to stay between 1 and 2 hours, we advise you to select the rooms and works that interest you most beforehand. Don’t hesitate to use the resources available online on the museum’s official website.
Prado opening times
The Prado Museum is open all year round at the following times:
- Monday to Saturday, 10am to 8pm.
- Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 7pm.
- Closed on: 1 January / 1 May / 25 December.
Of course, we advise you to aim for the opening hours to avoid crowds during your visit, or even lunchtime, which is Spanish time (around 1.30pm).
