Prado Museum (Museo del Prado)

The basics

The Prado is to Madrid what the Louvre is to Paris, and that means just about every visitor to the Spanish capital makes a stop here. Travelers have plenty of buy-ahead options for touring the collection—everything from a basic entrance ticket or skip-the-line access to a private guided tour. Choose a standard admission ticket or a city pass, which also provides free admission and discounts to other attractions. The museum is often included as a stop on guided city sightseeing tours.

Things to know before you go

• This museum is a must-see for art lovers.

• The museum offers a free locker and cloakroom at all entrances.

• Nearly the entire museum, with the exception of areas in the Villanueva building, is wheelchair accessible.

• If you’re looking for later works of art, Madrid's Reina Sofia Museum features a post-19th-century art collection.

How to get there

Travelers visiting the Prado Museum independently can get there by taking the metro to Banco de España (Red Line 2) or Atocha (Light Blue Line 1). The latter is about a 10-minute walk from the museum entrance.

When to get there

As one of Madrid’s most popular attractions, the Prado Museum often has long lines, especially on summer weekends. Lines are much shorter or nonexistent in winter. To beat the crowds, especially during the peak summer season, buy a skip-the-line ticket. You can also plan to arrive a few minutes before the ticket office opens or in the late afternoon, when most crowds have departed and Spaniards are enjoying their afternoon siesta.

Origins of the Prado

In 1785, King Carlos III commissioned the Prado as a natural science museum to accompany the neighboring botanical gardens. When it opened in 1819, however, its purpose had shifted to displaying an extensive art collection gathered by Spanish royals.

Ways to explore

The Prado is to Madrid what the Louvre is to Paris, and that means just about every visitor to the Spanish capital makes a stop here. Travelers have plenty of buy-ahead options for touring the collection—everything from a basic entrance ticket or skip-the-line access to a private guided tour. Choose a standard admission ticket or a city pass, which also provides free admission and discounts to other attractions. The museum is often included as a stop on guided city sightseeing tours.

Guided tours of the Prado Museum that take in the highlights last about 90 minutes, while more in-depth visits or tours that include other Madrid attractions run 3–4 hours. If you’re visiting without a guide, prioritize your time inside the massive Prado Museum to avoid getting overwhelmed by the thousands of artworks. Grab a free map and focus on the main masterpieces—all clearly marked on the floor plan—to cover the highlights in about an hour.

Accessibility

The museum is completely accessible to wheelchairs, which are available for loan in the cloakroom.

Age limits

None; free admission for kids (0–18)

What to pack

Face masks for social distancing protocols, money for the café and gift shop

What to wear

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing made for walking. Even if you focus on the highlights, you’ll need to cover a lot of ground in this sprawling museum.

Not allowed

Photography, large bags and backpacks, food and drinks, knives and sharp objects, umbrellas and walking sticks

Amenities

Cloakroom, Wi-Fi, audio guides for rent, cafés, restrooms, gift shops

Address

The Prado Museum sits along the glorious Paseo del Prado thoroughfare in the heart of Madrid, an easy walk from many of the city’s top sights as well as from other museums and attractions along the boulevard. You can also reach the museum with a guided tour that includes transportation to the museum.

Driving

From Madrid’s city center, take the Atocha exit on the M-30 ring road. The Prado Museum is just a short drive away, located in the heart of the city. While driving is possible, parking near the museum can be challenging and expensive, so consider using a taxi or rideshare service.

Public transportation

To reach the Prado Museum by public transportation, take Metro Line 1 (Blue) or Line 2 (Red) and get off at the “Banco de España” station. From there, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the museum. Alternatively, several bus lines also stop nearby.

Best times to visit

This popular museum is packed with visitors at midday, so visit early in the morning to beat the crowds. Though admission is free two hours before closing time, these later hours are very busy with visitors taking advantage of the free entry.

Best days to visit

Weekends and holidays are very crowded, especially during the summer tourist season. Plan to explore the collection on a weekday morning to enjoy relatively quiet galleries. The museum is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.

Best months to visit

January and February are the quietest months for tourism in Madrid, and the city’s main sights are largely free of large crowds. August is also a good month to visit, when many travelers and locals head to the coast.

Special events

The Prado Museum hosts temporary exhibitions highlighting specific artists, eras, or themes during the year. Check the calendar of current and upcoming shows on the museum website.