Established as an institution for the royal family, the Prado Museum is a remarkable home for Spain's artistic treasures. Legendary Spanish masters like Francisco Goya, Diego Velázquez, and El Greco are all showcased in its grand hallways. This stunning building stands as a testament to the great thinkers and creatives who have left a lasting impression.
The museum also features impressive collections of Flemish, Italian, and French art. These works highlight the extensive influence of the Spanish Empire and are well worth your time.
A Brief History of the Prado Museum
The Prado Museum began as a museum for collected and commissioned paintings by the royal monarch of Spain. Compared to other world-famous museums in Madrid, the Museo del Prado stands out for its focus on Spanish artists. It also highlights the Spanish royal influence from the 16th to the 19th century.
Architect Juan de Villanueva designed the building in 1785 as the Natural History Cabinet, following orders from King Charles III. Later, King Ferdinand VII, the grandson of Charles III, transformed the Natural History Cabinet into the Royal Museum of Paintings and Sculptures. This new museum opened to the public in November 1819.
Spanish royalty had exceptional taste, commissioning or acquiring some of the greatest artworks, such as The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch, Las Meninas by Velázquez, and The Family of Carlos IV by Goya.
Prado Museum Floor Layout
Navigating the Prado Museum's vast galleries can be overwhelming, but understanding the floor layout can help you make the most of your visit.
Level -1
- Famous for: Decorative Arts
- Must-see: Cup with Golden Mermaid, Anonymous (Room 101)
Level 0
- Watch out for Spanish Paintings 1100-1910, German Paintings 1450-1550, Sculptures, Flemish Paintings 1430-1570, and Italian Paintings 1300-1600
- Must-see: The Garden of Earthly Delights, Hieronymus Bosch (Room 56A) and Saturn Devouring His Child, Francisco Goya (Room 67)
Floor 1
- Famous for: German Painting 1750-1800, French Painting 1600-1800, Flemish Painting 1600-1700, Italian Painting 1450-1800, British Painting 1750-1800, Dutch Painting 1600-1695, Drawings, and Temporary Exhibitions
- Must-see: The Feast of Bacchus, Diego Velázquez (Room 11), Las Meninas, Diego Velázquez (Room 12), La Maja Desnuda, Francisco Goya (Room 36)
Floor 2
- Famous for: Sculptures, Spanish Painting 1700-1800, and German Painting 1750-1800
- Must-see: The Parasol, Francisco Goya (Room 86)
Prado Museum Tickets
The Prado Museum Spain is one of the most famous attractions in Madrid and is crowded almost always. Buying your Prado Museum tickets online is a wise idea to skip the long queues. Taking a guided tour of the Prado Museum is also highly recommended if you're an art aficionado. Moreover, buying your Prado Museum tickets online will help you save a few euros as opposed to the gate price.
If you're planning to visit other top attractions in Madrid, such as the Royal Palace of Madrid, El Retiro Park, Reina Sofia Museum, and Thyssen-Bornemisza, consider buying combo tickets. These tickets can help you save a few euros compared to individual gate prices.
Prado Museum Highlights - Famous Artworks & Exhibits
The Descent from the Cross by Roger van der Weyden
This powerful painting by the Flemish artist Roger van der Weyden has a history similar to Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights. Originally painted for the Chapel of Our Lady in Leuven, Belgium, it features crossbows in the corners that represent the guild that commissioned it.
Created between 1399 and 1464, it was acquired by Philip II around 1564 and later moved to El Escorial in 1566. The painting captures intense emotions, showing the sorrow and grief of those around Jesus. Its somber lighting and faint figures make us feel the weight of its tragic scene.
The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch
Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights is one of the Prado’s most treasured pieces. Painted between 1490 and 1500, it was brought to Spain in 1568 by the Duke of Alba. Philip II bought it at auction, and it hung in El Escorial for over 300 years before moving to the Prado in 1939.
This triptych explores themes of desire and temptation, reflecting the complex relationship between empires and their histories. The painting’s intricate details and vivid imagery highlight its significance.
Raphael’s The Cardinal
Raphael’s The Cardinal is an oil painting from 1510-1511. The artwork shows Raphael’s careful brushwork, especially in the textures of the clothing and the detailed face, influenced by Flemish painting styles.
Titian’s Venus and Adonis
Titian’s Venus and Adonis was created around 1554. This painting, done in oil on canvas, depicts the moment of dawn with Adonis pulling away from Venus. It’s one of at least thirty versions painted by Titian and his assistants.
Francisco Goya’s La Maja Desnuda
Goya’s La Maja Desnuda was commissioned by Manuel de Godoy. Completed between 1790 and 1800, this painting, along with its pendant La Maja Vestida (1803), caused controversy at the time. Both works have been part of the Prado collection since 1901.
Diego Velázquez’s Las Meninas
Diego Velázquez’s Las Meninas is one of the most important paintings in Western art. Created during Spain’s Golden Age, it shows five-year-old Margaret Theresa in the Royal Alcazar of Madrid. The painting is notable for its complex composition and the way it engages with the viewer.
Paintings by Francisco Goya
Francisco Goya was a pivotal Spanish artist who, like Diego Velázquez, changed art history. He began his career with vibrant, colorful works commissioned by the royal family. Examples include The Parasol (1777), which shows lively outdoor scenes.
However, his later works, such as Saturn Devouring His Son (1819), are darker and more unsettling. These Black Paintings reflect his disillusionment with Spanish royalty and his own struggles. The Prado’s room dedicated to Goya’s late works offers a powerful view into his life and artistic evolution.
Paintings by El Greco
El Greco, born Domenikos Theotokopoulos on the Isle of Crete, brought a unique style to Spain. Trained as an icon painter, he moved to Venice to learn Western art styles. Though he did not apprentice under Titian, he studied his work closely. El Greco’s distinctive style combines late-Byzantine, Mannerism, and Venetian Renaissance influences.
Despite not securing the favor of King Philip II, he made a significant impact with works like The Disrobing of Christ. Look for his signature elongated figures and vibrant colors in paintings such as The Nobleman with the Hand on His Chest, The Flight into Egypt, and Pentecost.
Paintings by Diego Velázquez
Diego Velázquez’s Las Meninas is one of the most famous paintings in European art history. After moving from Seville to Madrid at 24, Velázquez became the court painter for King Philip IV and worked for the royal family until his death in 1660. His extensive body of work includes portraits of the Spanish royal family, common people, religious scenes, historical events, and even some landscapes and animals.
As the leading court painter, Velázquez captured the everyday life of Spanish royalty. In Las Meninas, he cleverly wove social critiques into his art. The painting is not just a royal portrait but also a complex commentary on art and status.
Velázquez places himself in the scene, observing the Infanta Margaret Theresa, her maids, and other figures. Reflections of King Philip IV and Queen Mariana are visible in the mirror on the back wall.
This painting suggests that appearances can be deceiving and that true understanding requires careful observation. Don’t miss Velázquez’s The Triumph of Bacchus as well, another impressive work by this master artist.
Know Before You Visit Prado Museum Madrid
- Best Time to Visit
If you have purchased your tickets online, try arriving as soon as the museum opens at 10:00 AM. The Prado Museum starts bustling around 11:00 AM up until 2:00 PM and then quietens again during lunch hours. The hours of lunchtime lull, between 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, are also great to tour the museum.
- Prado Art Museum Entrances
The Prado Museum has five points of entry. If you're looking to buy tickets on the spot, you can buy them from two entrances on Felipe IV Street in Plaza de Goya. If you have purchased your tickets online, you can use any of the other three entrances - Puerta de Velázquez, Puerta de los Jerónimos, and Puerta de Murillo for a speedy entry.
- Prado Museums Price
- Students aged 18-25 can enjoy free admission with a valid student ID.
- General admission tickets are priced at 15€.
- Free Entrance Hours
Prado Museum Madrid practices free entry hours from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday through Saturday and from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sundays and holidays. These hours see maximum crowds, so show up at least 45 minutes before the free hours start to avoid long queues.
- Grab a Free Map
After passing a security check, make sure to pick up a free map and a plan of the museum’s layout, including a guide to the masterpieces inside and where to find them. Take a few minutes to plan what you'd like to see and chart your route.
- Cafe Prado
Right next to the gift shop, Cafe Prado offers a light meal, snack, or drink. The wifi signal is very strong, so you can read up on artwork while waiting.
- Photography Policy
Photography is not permitted at the Museo del Prado at this time.
Prado Museum Madrid - Opening Hours & Directions
Opening Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- All Sundays, January 1, May 1, and December 25: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- January 6, and December 24 and 31: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Getting There: Prado Gallery Madrid
- By Metro: The closest metro station to the Prado Museum is the Atocha station (Blue Line L1) or Banco de Espana station (Red Line L2).
- By Bus: Lines 9, 10, 14, 19, 27, 34, 37, and 45
- Easily accessible entrances from the stations: Jerónimos Entrance or Goya Entrance on Felipe IV Street
Prado Museums Tours
You can explore the Prado Museum with a range of tour options tailored to your preferences. Opt for a guided walking tour to navigate the museum’s vast collection with expert insights. For a more customized experience, choose a private tour, where you can enjoy a personalized exploration of the masterpieces.
Small group tours are also available, offering a more intimate setting for in-depth discussion and appreciation. Each tour provides a unique perspective, enhancing your visit to this world-renowned museum.
Golden Triangle of Art in Madrid
Three museums in Madrid make up the Golden Triangle of Art: the Museo del Prado, the Reina Sofia, and the Museo Thyssen. Visiting the other top museums within walking distance of the Museo del Prado is a must.
Reina Sofia
The Reina Sofia houses one of the best collections of modern art in the world, including works by Dalí and Picasso, Cold War collections, interactive installations, and contemporary sculptures.
Museo Thyssen
The Museo Thyssen is known for its wider array of European and American art collections, connecting the dots between styles, famous figures, and different movements.
Visiting the Prado Museum is an enriching experience, offering a journey through Spain's rich artistic heritage and beyond. Whether you're an art aficionado or a casual visitor, the Prado Museum is a must-visit in Madrid.