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The Prado Museum

Visit and Immerse Yourself in the Greatest Art in Madrid

Prado Museum, Madrid, Spain

Find all the information to plan your visit to the Prado Museum; opening hours, regulations, and online ticket purchases. Enjoy a unique experience at this iconic museum, home to great works of art.

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The Prado Museum reflects the rich history and cultural diversity of Spain. Inaugurated on November 19, 1819 in Madrid, Spain. Originally, it was conceived as a "Royal Museum of Paintings" under the reign of King Ferdinand VII, with the purpose of housing the royal collections and making them accessible to the public. It became officially known as the Prado Museum in 1837, during the reign of Isabella II, in reference to its location on the Paseo del Prado in Madrid.

Its unique collection and commitment to the conservation and dissemination of art make it a must-visit destination for art lovers from around the world. Located on the Paseo del Prado in Madrid, it is one of the most important and globally recognized references in classical European and Western art.

With some of the most admired works by great masters in painting, drawings, sculptures, and tapestries spanning over 800 years of history. It houses pieces by influential artists such as Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens, Murillo, Dürer, among other great exponents.

In front of the grand facade of the Prado Museum, there is a monument that pays homage to one of the greatest Spanish painters: Diego Velázquez. This sculpture, created by Aniceto Marinas, is located on the central axis of the museum and has become a reference point and a symbol of the importance of this artist in the history of art.

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In front of the grand facade of the Prado Museum, there is a monument that pays homage to one of the greatest Spanish painters: Diego Velázquez. This sculpture, created by Aniceto Marinas, is located on the central axis of the museum and has become a reference point and a symbol of the importance of this artist in the history of art.

Visiting Hours

The Prado Museum is open every day of the year, providing access to its extraordinary art collection. However, there are some exceptions due to holidays and special adjustments on notable dates. Here we provide all the necessary information so you can easily plan your visit:

Monday to Saturday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

The museum maintains its regular opening hours from Monday to Saturday, allowing visitors to enjoy the collections throughout the day.

Sundays and holidays
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

On Sundays and holidays, the opening hours are slightly reduced, closing at 7:00 PM. Still, it offers the opportunity to explore its rooms in a quieter atmosphere.

Annual Closing Days

The Prado Museum will be closed on the following specific dates throughout the year:

  • January 1: The museum will not open on New Year's Day.
  • May 1: Labor Day is another day of closure.
  • December 25: The museum will also be closed on Christmas Day.

January 6 (Three Kings' Day)
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

On Three Kings' Day, the Prado Museum offers special hours, opening from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

December 24 and 31
(Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve)
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

On both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, the museum adjusts its hours, opening only until 2:00 PM.

When visiting the Prado Museum, you will find

If you want to enjoy an incredible visit to the Prado Museum

Don't miss these recommendations:

To ensure a comfortable and enriching experience during your visit to the Prado Museum, we offer the following recommendations:

  • Purchase your tickets online in advance

    To enjoy the exhibitions more peacefully, it is recommended to make your reservation in advance.

  • Respect the assigned time slot

    The Prado Museum uses a time slot system to avoid crowds. Arrive early to enjoy the collection comfortably.

  • Contribute to environmental care by using digital resources

    We invite you to use digital resources such as electronic guides. This enhances your experience and helps reduce the use of printed materials, supporting environmental conservation.

  • Check the visiting rules before attending

    Review the rules before your visit regarding restrictions on cameras, conduct, and the prohibition of food, as well as hours and conditions for guided tours.

  • Promote Respect and Contemplation in the Museum

    Visitors are asked to maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere in the rooms, avoiding loud noises and conversations. Respect the personal space of others to ensure a comfortable and smooth experience for everyone.

  • Avoid using flash and tripods in photographs

    The use of flash and tripods is restricted in many areas to protect the artworks and ensure the comfort of other visitors.

Prado Museum Visiting Rules

  1. Admission to the Museum is valid for the date indicated on the ticket, previously selected by the visitor.

  2. Children under 14 years old cannot enter the Museum alone and must be accompanied by an adult throughout the visit.

  3. Visitors must follow the instructions of the Museum staff at all times.

  4. It is strictly prohibited to enter the building with objects or substances that may pose a risk to the safety of people or property in the museum.

  5. Access to the Museum will not be allowed to persons who are visibly intoxicated or showing signs of being under the influence of narcotics.

  6. Upon entering the building, visitors must pass through the security checks established by the museum.

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How to get to the Prado Museum in Madrid?

If you plan to visit the Prado Museum, there are several options to get there:

  • From the Neptune Fountain (4 minutes walk)

    Exit Neptune Square and head south, along the Paseo del Prado. Continue straight for approximately 200 meters, and you will see the Prado Museum on your left, just after crossing the intersection with Felipe IV Street. This is a very short walk, but very pleasant, as the Paseo del Prado is one of the most iconic avenues in Madrid.

  • From the Naval Museum (6 minutes walk)

    Exit the Naval Museum and head towards Ruiz de Alarcón Street. Turn left on this street, which connects with the Paseo del Prado. Walk along Ruiz de Alarcón until you reach the intersection with the Paseo del Prado, where you will turn right. After about 150 meters, the Prado Museum will be on your left.

  • From Cibeles Square (8 minutes walk)

    From Cibeles Square, head east along the Paseo del Prado. As you walk, you will see the National Library Museum on your right and the Puerta de Alcalá on your left. After walking about 600 meters, the Prado Museum will appear on your right, just after the intersection with Felipe IV Street.

  • From the Circle of Fine Arts (10 minutes walk)

    Exit the Circle of Fine Arts, located on Alcalá Street. Walk down to the Paseo del Prado and turn right to walk along this elegant street. After about 800 meters, you will reach the Prado Museum, which will be on your left, right in front of the Atocha train station.

  • From the Royal Palace of Madrid (25 minutes walk)

    Exit the Royal Palace and walk east along Calle Mayor, passing through Plaza de la Villa. Turn left to take the Paseo de la Infanta Isabel and continue until you reach the Paseo del Prado. Continue walking until you reach the Prado Museum, which will appear on your left.

  • Metro Station: Atocha-Estación del Arte

    Located just 9 minutes walk from the Prado Museum, this station is one of the closest options to reach the museum. You can access the station by taking Line 1 (the blue line) of the Madrid Metro, which covers a wide area from Pinar de Chamartín (in the north) to Vallecas (in the south). From the station, you only need to walk to the Paseo del Prado, which is just a few steps away. Then, follow this famous avenue north for about 700 meters, and you will find the Prado Museum on your right, just after crossing the intersection with Felipe IV Street.

  • Metro Station: Banco de España

    Just 10 minutes walk from the Prado Museum, the Banco de España station is another excellent option. This station is served by Line 2 (the red line) of the Madrid Metro, which connects areas from Las Rosas (in the east) to Cuatro Caminos (in the north), making it easily accessible from various points in the city.

    From the station, exit and head towards the Paseo del Prado, which is very close. Once on the Paseo, walk south for about 800 meters, and you will see the Prado Museum on your left, just after crossing the intersection with Felipe IV Street. From here, you can also enjoy the proximity to the Retiro Park and other points of interest in the area.

  • Bus Line 10

    This line connects Cibeles Square (one of the most central and iconic points in Madrid) with the Palomeras Bajas neighborhood, in the south of the city. The route of this line covers several important areas, such as the Paseo del Prado, passing near points of interest like the Prado Museum and the Retiro Park. The stop at Cibeles offers access to various transportation options and is a good starting point to explore the center of Madrid.

  • Bus Line 27

    The Line 27 connects the Glorieta de Embajadores, an important crossroads in the Lavapiés neighborhood, with Plaza de Castilla, located in the north of Madrid. This line runs through various points of the city, passing through neighborhoods like Usera and La Latina, and connects with important avenues such as Avenida de la Paz. Additionally, it offers easy access to the Atocha Station and the Embajadores Metro Station, both key points for transportation.

  • Bus Line 45

    The Line 45 connects Plaza de Legazpi, in the Arganzuela district, with Avenida de Reina Victoria, in the northwest of Madrid, passing through important areas like the Parque de la Vaguada and Avenida de la Albufera. This route crosses the south of the city and allows easy access to residential, commercial, and leisure areas in places like Delicias and Chamberí.

  • BiciMAD Station: Calle Espalter, 1

    This station is just 7 minutes walk from the Prado Museum. From the station on Calle Espalter, follow the street towards the Paseo del Prado, one of the most famous avenues in Madrid. When you reach the Paseo del Prado, continue north for about 300 meters and you will arrive at the Prado Museum, which will be on your left, just after crossing the intersection with Felipe IV Street.

  • BiciMAD Station: Calle Jesús, 1

    Just 5 minutes walk from the museum, this station is very close to Cibeles Square, another landmark in Madrid. From the station on Calle Jesús, walk towards the Paseo del Prado and turn right. The museum is about 400 meters south, on the left side of the street. Take advantage of the walk along the Paseo del Prado, one of the most emblematic boulevards in the city.

  • BiciMAD Station: Calle Almadén, 28

    This station is about 12 minutes by bike from the Prado Museum. From the station on Calle Almadén, head towards the Paseo del Prado. You can take Calle de Mesón de Paredes to reach the Paseo directly. Once on the Paseo del Prado, continue north, and in a few minutes you will reach the Prado Museum, which will be on your left.

  • Parking Plaza de las Cortes

    Plaza de las Cortes, s/n, right in front of the Prado Museum, on the east side of the museum. This parking is just 3 minutes walk from the museum, making it a very convenient option. The parking is located in a central location and offers easy access via Felipe IV Street. It is ideal for those who want to park near the museum and enjoy the proximity to other nearby attractions, such as the Teatro de la Zarzuela and the Congress of Deputies. Additionally, it is well connected to the Paseo del Prado, from where you can quickly access the museum.

  • Montalbán Parking

    Calle Montalbán, 4, a street near the Paseo del Prado, located just a few minutes walk from the museum. This parking is approximately 5 minutes walk from the Prado Museum. The Montalbán 4 parking is a convenient option for those arriving via Calle de Alcalá or nearby areas like Cibeles or Gran Vía. From this parking, you can walk along the Paseo del Prado or Calle de Montalbán to quickly reach the museum, enjoying the architecture of the area. Additionally, it is ideal if you want to visit other nearby points of interest, such as the Neptune Fountain and Cibeles Square.