What is it?
This art gallery is one of the most important cultural institutions in the country and is likely to become one of your favourite spots if you live in Madrid, or one of the first things you’ll want to see when visiting the city.
This institution is part of the ‘Art Triangle’, a group of museums in the Paseo del Prado area, along with the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. Even if it’s just to see Las Meninas, Deigo Velázquez’s famous and enigmatic painting, it’s practically a must-visit. Furthermore, this museum is famous for its vast collection of works by Goya, El Greco, Rubens, Bosch, and, of course, Velázquez, as well as pieces by many other masters of art, sculpture, and architecture. In total, there are over 35,000 works spread across its 41,995 m².
As well as the impressive permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These are varied and constantly changing, and importantly, they often reflect the sentiments of the public.
How much are tickets for the Prado Museum?
The general ticket price is €15. Reduced-price tickets (€7.50) are available for people over 65, youth card holders, and members of large families. In addition, children under 18, students aged 18 to 25, students over 25 studying art, people with disabilities, unemployed individuals, teachers, large families (with three children, or two if one has a disability), official tour guides, journalists, and staff of state museums can access the Prado Museum for free at any time.
You also have the option of purchasing the Paseo del Arte pass, which for €32 allows access to this museum, the Thyssen, and the Reina Sofía.
When can I visit the Prado Museum for free?
Although any day is a good day to visit this great art collection, most museums in Madrid have hours during which entrance is free. In this case, tickets to the Prado Museum are free from Monday to Saturday, from 6 pm to 8 pm, and on Sundays and public holidays, from 5 pm to 7 pm. Additionally, throughout 2024, the museum can also be visited for free between 8.30 pm and 11.30 pm on the first Saturday of every month, thanks to the Prado at Night initiative.
How long does it take to visit the Prado Museum?
On average, you can see the Prado Museum in about two hours. They also offer guided tours in both English and Spanish, lasting approximately 90 minutes and in which you’ll see some of the key pieces in the collection. Groups can’t exceed 29 people and there is an additional cost of €10 on top of the ticket price. These tours, which start in the Jerónimos Lobby, are available every day of the week. Spanish-speaking tours are held at 10.30 am, 11 am, 12.30 pm, 1 pm, 3.15 pm, and 5.00 pm, while English-speaking tours take place at 11.00 am and 1.00 pm.
What are the Prado Museum's opening hours?
The museum is open from Monday to Saturday, from 10 am to 8 pm, and on Sundays and public holidays, from 10 am to 7 pm. It is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25, with reduced hours (from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) on January 6 and 24 and 31 December 24 and 31.
How to get there
Take metro line 1 to Estación del Arte or line 2 to Banco de España. For buses, EMT lines 001, 6, 10, 14, 19, 26, 27, 32, 34, 37, 45, C03, and E1 all have one or more stops near the museum. Lastly, Cercanías trains on lines C1, C2, C3, C4, C4a, C4b, C5, C7, and C10 stop at Atocha station.
Time Out tip
The museum’s social media presence has become beloved for its educational content and behind-the-scenes tidbits. On Instagram, you can find them under the username @museoprado. Be warned: their posts are addictive!
Translated by Olivia Simpson