What to Know Before You Visit the Prado Museum in Madrid

“Home to one of the world’s greatest art collections – especially that of European art – the Prado Museum is a must-visit when in Madrid. Opened in 1819, the museum contains more than 7,000 paintings, which includes numerous famous works by several important Spanish artists, including Diego Velázquez, El Greco and Francisco de Goya. These include, respectively, The Adoration of the Magi, The Knight with his Hand on his Breast, and The Countess of Chinchon.

Practical Information on Visiting the Prado
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The best way to buy tickets is online through the Prado Museum’s website – it’ll help to avoid having to queue at the ticket office, which can get long. Tickets are timed-entry, and admission is free 6pm-8pm daily and 5pm-7pm Sunday. Do note that these times generally draw big crowds.

There is a free locker and cloakroom service where you can leave bulky items. Audio guides are €4 for the main collections and €3.50 for temporary exhibitions.

Getting to the Prado Museum is straightforward. Coming by metro, it’s pretty much equidistant from Banco de España (red line 2) and Antón Martín (blue line 1). There are also dozens of bus lines that stop just outside the front of the museum on Paseo del Prado.

Be aware that the Prado has three entrances. The main entrances are at Jerónimos and Goya, both on the north side of the museum, while the Puerto de Murillo entrance is only for pre-booked groups.

Admission: €15

Opening hours: 10am-8pm Monday-Saturday, 10am-7pm Sunday

By Larry Wentzel – Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12761360

Collections and Exhibitions at the Prado
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Tickets to the Prado include access to its permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. Having been amassed by Spanish royalty, the Prado’s collections are heavy on many Spanish masters, so it’s a good place to learn about Spanish and Iberian art in particular.

What to See at the Prado
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Because of its huge size, most visitors find it’s best to explore the Prado at a leisurely pace. You’ll want to allow several hours to see the main exhibitions, or more if you really want to go in-depth.

There are a few main highlights that you shouldn’t miss. These include Las Meninas by Velazquez, the 14 Black Paintings by Goya and The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch.

The museum’s website has a list of recommended routes, depending on how much time you have. With only one hour, you can see around 15 masterpieces, including paintings and sculpture. If you have three hours, you’ll be able to see up to 50 or more of the museum’s highlights.

El tres de Mayo – Francisco Goya Insider Tips for the Prado
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The Prado Museum is at its quietest just after it opens at 9am, and over lunch and siesta hours from 2pm-5pm. These are arguably the best times to visit.

Using typical Spanish dining hours, you could have a midday lunch nearby and then head to the museum afterwards – while others are eating or relaxing – to avoid crowds.

The museum also has a cafe, which closes 30 minutes before the museum does. There are lots of atmospheric local places to eat or have a tipple in the nearby Huertas neighbourhood. Just cross the Paseo del Prado and go for a wander.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Prado
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### Does the Prado Museum have accessibility facilities?

The Prado has adapted facilities for visitors with reduced mobility and wheelchair users, including a loan service for wheelchairs and walking aids; adapted restrooms; hearing-loop guides; and Spanish sign language interpretation. Most areas of the museum have ramp access.

### Is the Prado Museum entry included on a tourist pass?

Yes, the Paseo del Arte Pass includes entry to three of Madrid’s major art museums: the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofía. You can buy the pass through any of the three museums’ websites, but must collect and redeem it from the same museum through which you made the purchase. You can then visit the museums in any order – just show your pass at the entrance without queuing for the ticket offices.

### Does the Prado Museum offer private tours? Can you hire a guide?

You can hire a guide for a private tour of the Prado Museum. Visit the information desk inside the museum, where they will match you with an available guide. Sometimes you have to wait if all the guides are busy.

Private tours cost around €50 per hour. Most travellers opt to use the audio tour.

### Is there parking at the Prado Museum?

The Prado Museum does not have a dedicated car park. However, there are private, paid car parks nearby. Most visitors opt to come by metro or on foot.

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