What is the Prado museum famous for? Plenty! Here are the highlights and things you need to know before your visit, based on my solo birthday trip to Madrid and the Prado Museum.
The Museo Nacional del Prado boats the best collection of Spanish art and some of the nicest collections of European art with over 8,200 drawings, 7,600 paintings, 4,800 prints, and 1,000 sculptures. In this blog, I’ll share the Prado museum highlights along with helpful tips regarding the hours, admission – including how to get free admission to the Prado – and more.
I was lucky enough to visit the museum during my last birthday adventure to Madrid, Spain to soak up famous paintings like Las Meninas, The Garden of Earthly Delights, and other wondrous pieces of art from all around Europe.
What to See at the Prado Museum
- Las Meninas by Diego Velazquez. Velazquez is one of the greatest Spanish painters of all time, and Las Meninas is his most famous painting. The princess looks at the viewer as we look at her. Brilliant!
- Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch. In addition to Spanish artists, Flemish painter Bosch is another featured European painter. This triptych is crazy! This painting depicts the origins of sin and it’s consequences. It is weird but nonetheless awesome.
- Altar Pieces (various) by El Greco. The Annunciation, Adoration of the shepherds, and The Baptism of Christ are definite highlights.
- The Surrender of Breda by Velazquez.
- Van Dyke – Taking of Christ.
- Goya’s paintings – Saturn, Two old men eating, two friars
- Still life paintings. Tomás Hiepes – Delft Fruit Bowl and two Vases of Flowers
Museum Maps
Maps are available in Multiple languages at the information desk upon entry. In addition to navigating inside, the museum is metro (Banco de Espana, Atocha), EMT, train accessible if you’re familiar with navigating the public transportation system in Madrid.
Museum Hours
The Prado is open Monday – Saturday from 10am-8pm; Sundays & Holidays 10am-7pm with the last admission 30 min before closing time. There are three entrances to the museum, so don’t get stuck at one. Timed entry tickets are MUST, so arrive early to go through security checks.
Museum Tips
- Admission is 15 euros and tickets are free for children under 18. Also, ANYONE can gain free admission the last two hours before closing, everyday!
- In my opinion, the best value is the combined Ticket + Guidebook (available in diff languages) for 24 euros. This is a wonderful price, seeing as the guidebook itself is 18+ euros by.
- Audio guide recommended at a cost of 4 euros.
- There’s a Free App to help guide your self-guided discovers.
- Free lockers are available to house items that are not allowed at the museum.
- Security is TIGHT and there is absolutely NO photography. This policy is strictly enforced, as well as the NO large bags, NO umbrellas, or NO baby backpacks/carriers.
- Free wheelchair, walking stick, and stroller rentals are available upon request.
Before you go, check the official website ad https://www.museodelprado.es/en for room closures due to renovation.
That’s it! I hope these tips will help you have a lovely time at the Museo Nacional de Prado!
Antoinette | Frolic & Courage