Prado Museum Tickets

4.4(11.8K Ratings)

Headout is a brand trusted by millions of guests worldwide offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Prado Museum - Madrid






From the happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Theodorus J.M. Freriks

Theodorus

Mar 2025
review-image
The museum was impressive: we appreciated the fantastic collection. Very bad for us was the limited number of sanitary facilities, and also very hard to find. We were very satisfied and tired after the visit.
PERISTERA ELEFTHERIA
GR

Peristera

Greece
Feb 2025
review-image
Despite I have booked the tour in English the actual tour was in English Spanish language. That was the only défaut! Ticket reservation was very easy and our guide Miguel kind and knowledgeable about the museum, he gave us a lot of useful information and made the tour very interesting. Overall it was a very good experience!
Elizabeth Ann Gorny
US

Elizabeth

United States
May 2025
Everything was wonderful. We were even treated to a military parade while waiting in line. Thank you for assisting us with rescheduling our ticket dare after a death in the family causing a change in our family plans. We are very grateful to the staff!
Elena Blasiotti
IT

Elena

Italy
May 2025
Very pleasant, well organized. I found the museums easy to walk around and admire the works. I will take a wonderful experience with me
Roberto Notari

Roberto

May 2025
David was a perfect guide. Very knowledgeable. He was able to season historical and artistic tidbits with amusing anecdotes. He was also very careful not to lose anyone in the group. Bravo !!!!
Tracy W. Price
US

Tracy

United States
Nov 2024
I've done a lot of similar guided tours. This was easily the best. Patricia was fantastic. Amazingly knowledgeable and articulate.
Andres C.

Andres

May 2022
La visita guiada del museo el Prado estuvo excelente, sin embargo, la visita con Gabriel en el parque El Retiro dejó mucho que desear. En cada parada daba muy breves reseñas de algo de 2 minutos, algunas de mis preguntas no fueron respondidas, aspecto desaliñado, actitud demasiado seria casi aburrida.
Troy

Troy

Aug 2018
Apparently, many others had early entry, as the Prado was rather crowded. Nevertheless, our guide was superb, and both museums were very interesting. Both should be on the list for anyone visiting Madrid


If you spent a minute on every artwork in the Prado, you’d be here for more than 24 days. That’s how massive it is—over 2,000 pieces on display, with nearly 18,000 more in storage. But don’t let that overwhelm you. The trick is knowing what to look for. Goya’s haunting Black Paintings, Velázquez’s Las Meninas, Bosch’s surreal Garden of Earthly Delights—it’s impossible to see everything in one visit. But that’s the beauty of it! Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, the Prado always has more to show you.

Before we jump straight in, here are some things we bet you didn’t know about the Prado Museum! Let’s see how many you can tick off!

Did you know these about the Prado Museum?

  1. Money heist gone wrong
    In 1961, an unusual theft attempt occurred when a thief tried to enter the museum from the ceiling. Unfortunately for him, he fell through and died during the attempt, making it one of the more bizarre incidents in the museum's history.

  2. Where it all started
    The name "Prado," which translates to "meadow," refers to the location where the museum was built, originally a meadow known as the Hieronymites' meadow. The museum was officially named "Museo del Prado" in 1920, although it was initially known by other titles such as the Royal Museum of Paintings.

  3. The "First Gioconda"
    The Prado is home to a lesser-known painting that some refer to as the "first Gioconda." This refers to a work that predates Leonardo da Vinci's famous Mona Lisa and showcases the influence of earlier portrait styles on later masterpieces.

  4. The largest painting in the collection
    The largest artwork in the museum is The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist by Bartholomäus Strobel, which measures an impressive 280 cm tall by 952 cm wide. This monumental piece exemplifies the grand scale of some of the works housed at the Prado

  5. The "Spanish David"
    The museum is home to a sculpture known as David by Donatello, which is one of only three known versions of this iconic work in existence. This piece is significant for its artistic merit but also for its rarity within the context of Spanish collections.

Itinerary of must-see paintings at the Museo del Prado

Las Meninas

  • Artist: Diego Velázquez
  • Date: 1656
  • Location: Floor 0, Room 012
  • Description: Often considered the pinnacle of Western art, this enigmatic painting captures a moment in the Spanish royal court, featuring Infanta Margarita Teresa surrounded by her entourage. The innovative composition invites viewers to ponder the nature of reality and art, as Velázquez cleverly includes himself in the scene, blurring the lines between artist and subject.

The Garden of Earthly Delights

  • Artist: Hieronymus Bosch
  • Date: 1490-1510
  • Location: Floor 0, Room 056A
  • Description: This triptych is a vibrant exploration of paradise, earthly pleasures, and hell. Bosch’s intricate details and surreal imagery challenge interpretations, making it a captivating piece that draws visitors into its fantastical world.

The Third of May 1808

  • Artist: Francisco Goya
  • Date: 1814
  • Location: Floor 1, Room 081
  • Description: A powerful depiction of the horrors of war, this painting illustrates the brutal execution of Spanish rebels by French soldiers. Goya’s use of light and shadow conveys deep emotion, making it a poignant commentary on human suffering.

The Descent from the Cross

  • Artist: Rogier van der Weyden
  • Date: 1443
  • Location: Floor 0, Room 058
  • Description: This exquisite triptych showcases masterful technique and emotional depth, depicting Christ being taken down from the cross. The composition highlights human grief and compassion, inviting viewers to reflect on sacrifice and redemption.

The Nude Maja

  • Artist: Francisco Goya
  • Date: c. 1797–1800
  • Location: Floor 1, Room 036
  • Description: Celebrated for its bold sensuality, this painting features a reclining nude woman gazing directly at the viewer. Goya’s work challenges the societal norms of his time and remains an iconic representation of female beauty.

The Three Graces

  • Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Date: c. 1635
  • Location: Floor 1, Room 029
  • Description: This enchanting painting depicts Aglaya, Euphrosyne, and Thalia—the daughters of Zeus—celebrating beauty and femininity. Rubens’ vibrant colors and dynamic composition capture a moment of joyful intimacy among these mythological figures.

The Crucifixion

  • Artist: Juan de Flandes
  • Date: 1509
  • Location: Floor 1, Room 057
  • Description: A masterful piece from the Hispano-Flemish tradition, this work is renowned for its intricate details and emotional resonance. It portrays Christ’s crucifixion with somber reverence.

Saturn Devouring His Son

  • Artist: Francisco Goya
  • Date: c. 1819–1823
  • Location: Floor 1, Room 093
  • Description: This haunting painting depicts the mythological figure Saturn consuming one of his children to prevent them from overthrowing him. Goya's raw emotion and dark themes make this piece both disturbing and compelling.

What else should you not miss at the Prado Museum?

The Prado's sculpture collection features nearly 1,000 works, primarily derived from the Spanish Royal Collection. This includes significant pieces from various periods:

  • Classical sculptures: The collection boasts remarkable classical works, such as The San Ildefonso Group and The Apotheosis of Claudius. These pieces reflect the grandeur of ancient art and its influence on later European styles.
  • Renaissance and Baroque works: Notable sculptures include royal portraits from the Renaissance era and Baroque bronzes sent back by Velázquez. This period is represented by exquisite works like Charles V and the Fury.
  • Neo-Classical sculptures: The museum showcases works by prominent court sculptors from the time of Charles IV, including pieces like The Defence of Zaragoza.

In addition to sculptures, the Prado has an impressive collection of decorative arts, totaling around 3,500 objects:

  • Hardstone and rock crystal objects: Among these are 144 exquisite pieces known as The Dauphin’s Treasure, which highlight intricate craftsmanship.
  • Tapestries and Ceramics: The collection includes a selection of Flemish tapestries and various examples of Talavera ceramics, showcasing Spain's rich decorative traditions.
  • Miniatures: The museum houses nearly 200 miniatures, making it one of the most significant collections of its kind in Spain.

The Prado is also home to approximately 8,200 drawings and 4,800 prints. These works provide insights into the artistic processes of renowned masters:

  • Old Master Prints: The print collection includes works by artists like Albrecht Dürer and Rembrandt, offering a glimpse into printmaking techniques and styles across different periods.
  • Drawings: The drawings range from preparatory sketches to finished works, revealing the evolution of ideas among artists like Goya and Rubens.

The museum's collection extends to various historical documents that complement its artistic holdings. These documents often provide context about the artworks and their creators.

Plan your visit to Museo del Prado | Prado Museum

Opening hours

  • Monday to Saturday: 10am – 8pm
  • Sundays & holidays: 10am – 7pm

Free entry: Monday to Saturday: 6pm – 8pm; Sundays & Holidays: 5pm – 7pm

  • Last admission: 45 minutes before closing
  • Closed on: January 1, May 1, and December 25
  • Limited hours (10am – 2pm): January 6, December 24, and December 31

💡 Best time to visit: Arrive at 10am for a quieter experience or between 2pm – 4pm when the midday rush slows down.

Location & how to get there

Museo del Prado sits in the heart of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art.

  • Address: C. de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, 28014 Madrid, Spain | View on Map
  • By bus: The nearest stop is Cibeles, served by routes E1, N2, and N3.

By metro:

Estación del Arte (Line 1) – about a 10-minute walk

Banco de España (Line 2) – about a 10-minute walk

Attractions near Museo del Prado

  • 🌳 Retiro Park – Madrid’s green oasis, featuring a lake, gardens, and the stunning Crystal Palace. Enjoy boat rides, cycling, or a relaxed picnic.
  • 🖼 Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum – A must-visit for art lovers, showcasing over 1,600 works from masters like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Monet.
  • 🎭 CaixaForum Madrid – A cultural hub in a repurposed power station, hosting exhibitions, events, and works by Spanish greats like Picasso and Miró.
  • 🏰 Royal Palace of Madrid – One of Europe’s most magnificent palaces, featuring lavish interiors, royal collections, and beautifully manicured gardens.

Tips to help you visit Prado Museum better

  • Seek out lesser-known works in the museum’s collection, such as José de Ribera's “The Clubfooted Boy” or Francisco de Goya’s “The Milkmaid,” which are often less crowded but equally captivating.
  • If available, join a thematic tour focusing on Spanish Romanticism or Baroque art. These tours often dive deeper into specific periods and styles, revealing connections between different artists and their works.
  • If you need a break, head to the museum’s reading room, which offers a quiet space to reflect on what you’ve seen and access art-related literature.
  • Restrooms are located on the ground floor near the café and another set near the temporary exhibitions area. Knowing their locations can save you time, especially during busy hours.
  • For a more peaceful experience, seek out quieter galleries like Room 50, which often has fewer visitors. This allows for uninterrupted viewing of masterpieces like Raphael's "The Cardinal."
  • Similarly, if you feel overwhelmed, take breaks in quieter areas like Room 51C, which houses 12th-century frescos. This room is often less crowded and offers a serene environment to regroup.
  • The Prado Café, located on the ground floor, offers light meals and refreshments. Plan your visit around lunchtime (between 2pm and 4pm) when crowds tend to thin out.
  • First time? Well, some paintings might look a bit…complicated, and honestly, not everyone’s a pro! But say you’re intrigued about a piece of art, what do you do? Just scan the QR right by the painting. These QR codes are strategically placed next to certain artworks, allowing visitors to scan them with their smartphones. The QR codes can link to multimedia content, including videos and audio guides, which bring the artwork and its background to life!

Frequently asked questions about Museo del Prado tickets

What types of guided tours are offered at the Prado Museum?

The museum offers various guided tours, including private tours with art experts and group tours focusing on specific collections or themes. These tours provide in-depth insights into the artworks and are available in multiple languages.

What facilities are available within the museum?

The Prado Museum is equipped with a cafeteria, a gift shop, free Wi-Fi, and a library. Additionally, it provides free wheelchairs and canes for visitors with reduced mobility. Lifts are available to access different levels of the museum.

Are there specific rules I should be aware of during my visit?

Photography inside the museum is strictly prohibited. Large bags and umbrellas are not allowed in the exhibition areas but can be stored in the free cloakroom. It's recommended to wear comfortable footwear due to the extensive galleries.

Is the Prado Museum accessible to visitors with disabilities?

The museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. Wheelchairs are available upon request, and elevators provide access to all floors. Accessible restrooms are also available within the facility.

How long should I plan to spend at the Prado Museum?

To fully appreciate the extensive collection, it's recommended to allocate at least 3 to 4 hours for your visit. However, art enthusiasts may find themselves spending an entire day exploring the galleries.

Madrid Ticket
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
AFFIRM
Headout is a brand trusted by millions of guests worldwide offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.