The Museo del Prado showcases Spain's finest European art collection

The Collections

Paintings make up the majority of the Museo del Prado's collection, with 7,600 pieces in total. The artists exhibited are predominantly Spanish, but the gallery also includes British, German, Italian, French, Flemish and Dutch works. Las Meninas by Velázquez is one of the most famous pieces displayed at the museum.
The Museo del Prado has over 900 sculptures from the Renaissance, Classical and Baroque periods as well as various other historical epochs. In addition, the Dauphin's Treasure gallery showcases decorative arts taken from the Spanish Royal Collection, including ceramics, Alcora pottery, Andalusian glass, Flemish tapestries and Buen Retiro porcelain.

Given the size of the museum, visitors will realistically need more than a day to appreciate the full collection of the Museo del Prado. Consequently, the museum has organised three primary routes that highlight and focus on the most notable pieces in the collection. These routes feature 15 works for one hour trips, 30 for two hour visits and 50 for three hours, so it is advisable to give yourself at least one to two hours to make the most of the museum.

Tickets and Access

The general admission fee for the Museo del Prado is 15 euros, and admission is free for under 18s. Moreover, admission to the main collection is free between 6-8pm from Monday to Saturday and between 7-9pm on Sundays and holidays, although be advised that the museum can get quite busy during these hours. The museum is easy to reach using public transport, with nearby metro stations at Banco de España (line 2) and Atocha (line 1). 

Check the calendar of exhibitions here.

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Author: Mónica Torres

General Manager at NH Collection Madrid Paseo del Prado

I have been in Madrid for over 20 years. The first thing that caught my attention is the warmth and hospitality of those who live here. Additionally, living in a city where there is life every day of the year is incredibly rewarding. Madrid offers a vibrant cultural scene with theater, concerts, gastronomy, and of course, art. The city boasts an infinite array of cultural activities, and its gastronomy has reached a culinary peak. There’s an explosion of new restaurants that cater to diverse cultures, making it appealing both for residents and visitors.
Regarding my work:
I am fortunate to work in something that truly impassions me. Despite the intense workload, the ultimate goal is to bring happiness to our guests. Each day is different, and we never stop learning. I also appreciate the opportunity to meet countless people with diverse perspectives and cultures. I consider myself incredibly lucky.