If you’ve heard anything about the Mona Lisa, you know it’s housed at the Louvre in Paris. However, the Prado Museum also has its very own Mona Lisa, likely painted simultaneously by one of Leonardo Da Vinci’s pupils or workshop assistants. The subject of the painting, just as in the original, is Lisa Gheradini, and the composition is also the same as that of the original.

The story behind the Mona Lisa in the Prado Museum

Visitors exploring art exhibits inside the Prado Museum, Madrid, during a guided tour.

The Mona Lisa at the Prado Museum is a fascinating twin to Leonardo da Vinci’s original masterpiece, painted alongside it by one of his trusted students, possibly Francesco Melzi or Salaì. Originally part of the Spanish royal collection, this version offers a rare glimpse into the artistic collaboration and techniques shared within Leonardo’s workshop, revealing vibrant colors and a richly detailed background that highlight the student’s creativity.

More than just a copy, the Prado’s Mona Lisa is a window into the Renaissance world of artistic innovation and mentorship. It beautifully illustrates how master and student exchanged ideas and skills, providing a deeper understanding of Leonardo’s lasting influence and the dynamic environment that shaped some of history’s greatest art.

Where in the Prado Museum can you find the Mona Lisa?

The Prado Museum's version of the Mona Lisa is located in Room 052B, on the first floor of the Villanueva Building. You now know that the two paintings (the other one being the one at the Louvre) were likely painted simultaneously. They were both painted with high quality materials, and have thus survived in near perfect condition till date. However, the one key difference between the two is in their frames; while the original's is made of poplar, the Mona Lisa at the Prado is framed in walnut.

Book tickets to view the Mona Lisa

Museo del Prado Tickets

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Museo del Prado Entry Tickets with Free Guided Tour

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Museo del Prado Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

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Paseo del Arte 3 Museum Pass: Museo del Prado + Thyssen Bornemisza + Reina Sofia Entry Tickets

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Museo del Prado & Royal Palace of Madrid Guided Tour with Transfers

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Museo del Prado & Reina Sofía Museum Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets

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Combo (Save 9%): Madrid Panoramic Bus Tour + Paseo del Arte 3 Museum Pass

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The best way to visit the Mona Lisa at the Prado Museum

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Buy an entry ticket

If you want to visit the Mona Lisa and the Prado Museum at your own pace, your best bet is to buy yourself the {experience type="POPUP" id="3586" text="Museo del Prado Tickets with Optional Audio Guide"}.

Book a guided tour

If fascinating insights from an expert are how you see yourself exploring the Prado Museum, you can book a guided tour. The best part? You can even book a guided tour that also gets you access to a second attraction, such as the Reina Sofia Museum or the Royal Palace of Madrid.

Choose the best spot

The best way to view the Mona Lisa is to stand at a moderate distance from it. This lets you see all the details and brushstrokes close enough while enjoying the painting in its entirety.

Best time to visit

Weekday mornings are ideally the best time to visit the Prado Museum. This is when the Prado is at its quietest, before the bustling crowds make their way in. While the museum remains open on the weekends, it can get extremely crowded. Not the ideal environment at a museum!

Frequently asked questions about the Prado Museum Mona Lisa

What is the Mona Lisa at the Prado Museum?

The Prado Museum houses a second Mona Lisa. Unlike the famous version in the Louvre in Paris, this one is a near-identical copy believed to have been painted alongside Da Vinci's original. It's darker, more intimate, and gives you a new perspective on that iconic smile.

Who painted the Prado Museum's Mona Lisa?

While Leonardo da Vinci painted the original, experts believe the Prado version was created by one of his students, most likely Francesco Melzi or Salaì. What’s incredible? This version was painted at the same time and from the same angle, making it more than just a copy. It’s a window into Leonardo’s studio.

What are the must-see highlights at the Prado Museum?

Start with Las Meninas by Velázquez, wander into the world of The Third of May 1808 by Goya, and don’t miss the hauntingly detailed The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch. Of course, the Prado Mona Lisa is a highlight in its own right.

Is the Prado Museum accessible to visitors with disabilities?

Absolutely! The Prado Museum is wheelchair-accessible and offers services like accessible bathrooms, ramps, elevators, and wheelchairs upon request. Staff are trained to assist, ensuring every guest feels welcome.

Are guided tours available at the Prado Museum?

Definitely! You can join an expert-led guided tour in English or Spanish. Tours typically last 1.5 to 2 hours and cover key masterpieces and historical context. Audio guides are also available if you prefer a self-paced visit.