Explore the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid

Overview

The Museo Nacional del Prado, situated in the heart of Madrid, is celebrated as one of the finest art museums globally, showcasing an extensive collection of European art spanning from the 12th to the 19th centuries. Originally designed by Juan de Villanueva in 1785, the museum was established following the vision of Charles III, initially to house the Natural History Cabinet. Since its inauguration as a public museum in 1819, it has grown to include the Cloister of the Church of Los Jeronimos and several adjoining structures, collectively known as the Museo del Prado Campus. The museum boasts approximately 7,600 paintings, 1,000 sculptures, and over 13,000 other art pieces, largely emphasizing Spanish masterpieces. Highlights of the collection include significant works by Goya, Velazquez, Titian, Rembrandt, and Bosch, among others. Don't miss the chance to see iconic pieces like 'Las Meninas' by Velazquez and Goya's haunting 'Black Paintings'. With its extraordinary array of art from various centuries and regions, the Museo Nacional del Prado is undoubtedly a cultural gem not to be overlooked.

Photo of Museo Nacional del Prado
Photo of Museo Nacional del Prado
Photo of Museo Nacional del Prado
Opening hours
  • Sunday 10:00 - 19:00
  • Monday 10:00 - 20:00
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 20:00
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 20:00
  • Thursday 10:00 - 20:00
  • Friday 10:00 - 20:00
  • Saturday 10:00 - 20:00

Open 24/7

Contact Info
  • AddressRetiro, 28014 Madrid, Spain
  • Phone+34 913 30 28 00

Reviews

David
Spain
5
The Prado Museum is essential for anyone in Madrid! It boasts a unique collection of masterpieces from artists like Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, and Bosch. The atmosphere is remarkable, and the scale and significance of the exhibitions are truly impressive. 💡 Great for Kids! This museum is perfect for introducing children to art and history. I suggest opting for a guided tour for a more engaging experience. 🎟 Pro Tip: Purchase tickets in advance to skip the long lines. While it can get crowded during tourist season, the experience of witnessing world-class art is still unparalleled. 😄 Fun Fact: Be prepared for a surprise with Picasso as he has only one painting displayed here! Highly recommend this place for everyone!
Li Wei
China
5
Visited the museum on a weekday in February without pre-purchasing tickets and had no wait to enter. The museum is expansive with a vast collection, allowing for many hours of exploration. If you get the audio guide, it includes a map for easier navigation. However, I found the provided ear piece to be uncomfortable and prone to falling off; I'd recommend bringing your own. There were numerous student groups, which made accessing certain artworks challenging. Also, note that no photography of the artworks is allowed, and I respected that by not taking any pictures inside.
Julia
Spain
5
A visit to the Prado Museum is a must for anyone in the city. I highly recommend taking a tour; you not only skip the entrance line but also have a guide who highlights key pieces and details you might miss on your own. Our group of five arrived at 4 PM and spent four hours there. Remember, photography is prohibited inside, so focus on enjoying the art with your own eyes instead. The museum houses a wide range of collections, even a version of the Mona Lisa. A unique aspect is that they permit artists to paint inside the museum, which I found fascinating—watching them work is a delightful experience. With over 35,000 art pieces, you'll need multiple visits to appreciate everything fully. Of all the art shown, Velázquez’s works were my personal highlights.
Nana
Georgia
5
The Prado Museum is a true sanctuary for art enthusiasts, offering an outstanding collection. Make sure to allocate enough time for your visit. Booking in advance is recommended, and consider taking a guided tour for an enriched experience. The museum's map is also handy for navigating through its halls. Note that photography isn’t permitted and strict rules apply in this regard.
Clara
Spain
5
Visited on a Sunday at 5 PM when entrance was free. Although the line was long, it moved quickly, and I was inside in about 20 minutes! The collection is breath-taking, truly incredible. I spent 2 hours exploring but felt it wasn’t enough; ideally, 3 to 3.5 hours would allow for a deeper experience.