About Prado Museum | History, Art & Visitor Info

Quick Information

ADDRESS

C. de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, 28014 Madrid, Spain

Timings

10:00–20:00

TICKETS

From $20.80

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

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Did you know?

Commissioned by Charles III in 1785, Prado Museum was originally designed by Juan de Villanueva as a natural science museum. King Ferdinand VII and Queen Maria Isabel of Braganza later opted to use it to house the royal paintings, and the Museo Nacional Del Prado opened its doors in 1819.

Prado Museum boasts one of the most extensive collections of Francisco de Goya’s works, including over 150 paintings, over 600 drawings, over a 100 handwritten documents, and a selection of prints.

The most famous painting in the museum is Velázquez’s Las Meninas, one of the largest canvases from the Sevillian painter. Considered controversial for its defiance of genre, this snapshot of life at the Spanish court is as unsettling as it is captivating.

Why visit the Prado Museum in Madrid

1/5

Unmatched European art collection

With a vast collection of Spanish art from the 12th to the 20th centuries, it features eight centuries of work by artistic legends like El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya, among several others.

Stunning architecture

Built in a neoclassical style, the Prado Museum is just as much about its architecture as it is about the art it houses. Juan de Villanueva drew inspiration from Greek and Roman temples, making every element worthy of a second glance.

A stellar historical legacy

Founded over 200 years ago, the museum originally housed the Spanish royal collection, including treasures brought by monarchs like Philip V. This historic context enriches the visit, connecting art to Spain’s royal and cultural history.

Diverse artistic styles

The Prado spans medieval to early modern European art, allowing visitors to explore a broad spectrum of styles and periods in one place. From Renaissance masterpieces by Titian and Rubens to 18th-century works by Giambattista Tiepolo, the museum takes you on a journey through time.

Located in the Art Triangle

The museum’s location in central Madrid, and more specifically in the Art Triangle, puts it within walking distance of the Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums. Pro tip: if you want to visit all three, you must purchase the Paseo del Arte 3 Museum Pass, which gets you access to all three museums.

Who was the architect behind the Prado Museum?

Designed by architect Juan de Villanueva in 1785, the Prado Museum was intended to house a Natural History Cabinet under King Charles III. However, the museum’s eventual role wasn’t decided until Charles III’s grandson, Ferdinand VII, decided to use it as a new Royal Museum of Paintings and Sculptures in 1819 after his wife, Queen María Isabel de Braganza, encouraged him to do so.

Over time, the building underwent expansions and restorations, including a major extension designed by Rafael Moneo, which was completed in 2007. It maintained the harmony of Villanueva’s design while modernizing its facilities to make it the accessible attraction it is today.

Museo del Prado Tickets with Optional Audio Guide

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Museo del Prado Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

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1 hr. 30 min. - 2 hr.

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

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4 hr. - 4 hr. 30 min.

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Paintings at the Prado Museum

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

The Prado Museum is known for its collection of paintings—a whopping 8,000+ at that. Spanning eight centuries, the paintings here capture the evolution of various artistic styles, along with that of the Spanish royalty over the years.

Some key paintings on display that you cannot miss include the Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez, a piece known for its complex composition. Others include Saturn Devouring His Son by Francisco Goya, The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch, and The Nude Maja and The Clothed Maja by Francisco Goya.

Prado Museum: A key element of the Madrid Triangle of Art

As mentioned earlier, the Prado Museum is one of three museums that form the Madrid Triangle of Art, also known as the Art Triangle. The other two include the stunning Reina Sofia Museum, home to some of Spain’s best masterpieces from the 20th century, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, which fills in all the pieces of Western art, with a collection of 1,600 works.

This ‘Golden Triangle of Art’ was also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.

Prado Museum layout

Level -1: Basement

This level is home to various decorative arts, 19th-century Spanish art, and Flemish and early Italian art.
Some of the key Spanish art on display includes works such as Joaquín Sorolla’s Boys on the Beach (Room 60A) and Antonio Gisbert’s The Execution of Torrijos and his Companions (Room 75).
The Flemish & Italian art on display includes Rogier van der Weyden’s The Descent from the Cross (Room 58), Fra Angelico’s The Annunciation (Room 56B), and Raphael’s Portrait of a Cardinal (Room 49).

Level 0: Ground Floor

The ground floor forms the core of the museum’s collection of Spanish, Flemish, and Italian paintings from the Middle Ages to the early 19th century.
The Spanish paintings span from the 12th to the 19th centuries, including Goya’s The Third of May 1808 (Room 64).
You’ll also find thematic rooms dedicated to the museum’s history and its collection in the form of sculptures and medieval art.

Level 1: First Floor

The first floor includes masterpieces from the Spanish Golden Age, Baroque, and major European schools (Italian, Flemish, French, Dutch, and British paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries).
Some key Spanish pieces include Diego Velázquez’s Las Meninas (Room 12), Goya’s The Family of Charles IV (Room 32), and The Naked Maja (Room 38).
Other highlights include El Greco’s Nobleman with his Hand on his Chest (Room 9B), Murillo’s The Immaculate Conception of Los Venerables (Room 16), and Zurbarán’s Still Life with Vessels (Room 10A).

Frequently asked questions about Prado Museum

When was the Prado Museum established?

The Prado Museum was officially opened to the public on November 19, 1819, initially named the Royal Museum of Paintings and Sculptures.

What was the original purpose of the Prado Museum building?

Originally designed to house the Natural History Cabinet, the building's purpose was later changed to serve as a museum for the royal art collection.

Who was the architect of the Prado Museum?

The Prado Museum was designed by Juan de Villanueva, a prominent Spanish architect known for his neoclassical style, evident in the building’s architecture.

Does the Prado Museum have its own parking?

The Prado Museum does not have dedicated parking facilities. You can use nearby public parking garages or opt for public transportation.

Is there a dress code for visiting the Prado Museum?

While there is no strict dress code, we’d recommend dressing respectfully in comfortable attire and footwear. After all, you don’t want your feet giving up before you’re done exploring what the museum has to offer.

Are pets allowed inside the Prado Museum?

No, your furry friends are not permitted inside the Prado Museum to ensure the safety and preservation of the artworks. Guide dogs and service animals are welcome, though, subject to presenting all relevant documentation.

What facilities are available at the Prado Museum for visitors?

The Prado Museum offers various facilities, including restrooms, a café, a gift shop, and cloakroom services, ensuring the perfect environment for you to explore its expansive collection with ease.

Is the Prado Museum accessible to visitors with disabilities?

Yes, the museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available. Wheelchairs can also be borrowed at the museum. The museum also has hearing loops for those with hearing difficulties.