What to See at The Prado Museum in Madrid: Opening Hours, Prices And Advice

As a travel blogger, I’m always on the lookout for unique and fascinating destinations to share with my readers. And when it comes to art, culture, and history, few places compare to the Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain. With over 8,000 works of art spanning from the 12th to the 20th century, this world-renowned museum is a must-visit for any art lover or history buff.

A Brief History of the Prado Museum

The Prado Museum has its roots in the 18th century, when King Charles III built the Royal Palace of El Pardo, which included a large collection of artwork and furnishings. In 1819, the palace was converted into a museum, and it quickly became one of the most important art museums in Europe.

Today, the Prado Museum is housed in several buildings in the heart of Madrid, including the Villanueva building, the Jeronimos Monastery courtyard, the Buen Retiro Castle, the administrative building on Ruiz de Alarcon Street, and the Royal Rooms of the Buen Retiro Palace. The museum’s collection includes works by some of the most famous artists in history, including Goya, Velazquez, and Tiziano.

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Top 10 Works to See at the Prado Museum

So what makes the Prado Museum so special? For starters, there are countless incredible works of art on display. Here are just a few of my top picks:

1. May 3, 1808
   This painting by Francisco Goya depicts a tragic moment in Spanish history, namely the French invasion of the country and the execution of civilians. Created in 1814, it’s one of Goya’s most famous works.

2. David and Goliath
   One of Caravaggio’s first works, created between 1597 and 1598, revisits the biblical myth under an abstract light. This painting is a masterpiece of Baroque art.

3. Las Meninas
   One of Velazquez’s most accomplished works, this painting depicts the infanta Margarita, surrounded by her attendants. Created in 1656, it’s one of the most famous paintings in Spanish art history.

4. Saturn devouring his children
   This dark and macabre painting is one of Goya’s most enigmatic works. Created between 1821 and 1823, it’s a prime example of his “black period.”

5. Danae
   Inspired by Michelangelo’s works, this beautiful painting by Tiziano depicts a female nude in an atmosphere made magnificently by the use of oil on canvas.

6. Trinity
   A unique composition by El Greco, representing God with his son’s lifeless body between his arms. Created in 1577-1579, it’s one of the most fascinating works of art in the Prado Museum collection.

7. Birth of Saint John the Baptist
   Inspired by Caravaggio, this painting depicts the birth of John the Baptist in an atmosphere characterized by extreme realism and chiaroscuro. Created in 1635, it’s a masterpiece of Baroque art.

8. Delights Garden
   This triptych by Hieronymus Bosch is one of the most enigmatic works in the Prado Museum collection. Consisting of two side panels that can be closed to reveal the central panel, it depicts scenes from Paradise and Hell.

9. Bacchanal of the Andrii
   A splendid work on a mythological theme with slightly erotic tones, created by Tiziano Vecellio in 1523-1526. This painting is a masterpiece of Renaissance art.

10. El Coloso
    One of Goya’s most enigmatic works, El coloso (or The Colossus) seems to represent an apocalyptic allegory through which the threat of war for Spanish independence is approaching. Created circa 1808, it’s one of the most fascinating works in the Prado Museum collection.

Hours and Prices

So when can you visit the Prado Museum? The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 20:00, Sunday and holidays from 10:00 am to 20:00. Closed January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.

Ticket prices are as follows:

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• €15.00 – Buy online with option for guided tours
• Paseo del Arte card (€28.80) – equivalent to a 20% discount on ticket prices of two other major museums: the Reina Sofia Museum and the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum.

Tips for Visiting the Prado Museum

Here are a few tips for visiting the Prado Museum:

• Day off from weekdays is ideal to visit the museum on a weekday instead of the weekend, to avoid long lines.
• Buy the Paseo del Arte card which costs €28.80 and is equivalent to a 20% discount on ticket prices of two other major museums: the Reina Sofia Museum and the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum.
• Be aware that some areas of the Villanueva building have features that can make it difficult for people with disabilities to pass.
• Photography is forbidden, using handbags over 40×40 cm are recommended; food, drinks, or sharp objects (returnable in cloakroom) are not allowed.

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Additional Tips and Insights

Here are a few additional tips and insights to help you make the most of your visit to the Prado Museum:

• Guided Tours: The Prado Museum offers guided tours in several languages, including English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, and Russian. These tours can be booked online or at the museum’s ticket counter.
• Audio Guides: The museum also offers audio guides in several languages that provide an additional perspective on the artworks on display.
• Food and Drink: While food and drink are not allowed inside the museum, there are several cafes and restaurants near the Prado Museum where you can enjoy a meal or snack.
• Accessibility: The Prado Museum has implemented various accessibility measures to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the exhibition. These include wheelchair-accessible entrances, ramps, and elevators, as well as audio descriptions and sign language interpretation for visually impaired visitors.

Prado Museum’s Collection

The Prado Museum’s collection includes over 8,000 works of art, spanning from the 12th to the 20th century. The museum’s collection is divided into several sections, including:

• Paintings: The painting section includes works by artists such as Velazquez, Goya, Caravaggio, and El Greco.
• Sculpture: The sculpture section includes works by artists such as Michelangelo, Bernini, and Canova.
• Prints: The prints section includes works by artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Tintoretto.
• Drawings: The drawing section includes works by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo.

Special Exhibitions

The Prado Museum also hosts several special exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions showcase rare or unusual artworks that are not part of the museum’s permanent collection. Some recent exhibitions have included:

• “Velazquez: The Masterpiece Paintings”: This exhibition featured over 30 works by Velazquez, including his most famous paintings such as “Las Meninas” and “The Waterseller of Seville”.
• “Goya: The Black Period”: This exhibition featured a selection of works from Goya’s “black period”, which includes some of his most enigmatic and disturbing paintings.
• “Michelangelo: Sculpture and Painting”: This exhibition featured several sculptures by Michelangelo, as well as some of his most famous paintings.

Prado Museum’s Education Programs

The Prado Museum offers a variety of education programs for children and adults. These programs include:

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• Guided Tours: The museum offers guided tours specifically designed for children and families.
• Workshops: The museum offers workshops where visitors can learn about art, history, and culture through hands-on activities.
• Lectures: The museum hosts lectures by experts in the field of art history and cultural studies.

Prado Museum’s Conservation Efforts

The Prado Museum is committed to the conservation of its collection. The museum has implemented various conservation efforts, including:

• Restoration: The museum has a dedicated restoration team that works on preserving and conserving the artworks in the collection.
• Conservation Studies: The museum conducts regular conservation studies to assess the condition of the artworks and develop strategies for their preservation.

Prado Museum’s Community Outreach

The Prado Museum is committed to engaging with its community. The museum offers various outreach programs, including:

• Community Programs: The museum offers community programs that provide educational activities and resources for local residents.
• Collaborations: The museum collaborates with other museums, cultural institutions, and organizations to promote art and culture.

Prado Museum’s Online Presence

The Prado Museum has an active online presence. The museum offers:

• Website: The museum website provides information about the collection, exhibitions, and programs.
• Social Media: The museum maintains a strong social media presence on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

In conclusion, the Prado Museum is one of Spain’s most important cultural institutions. With its vast collection of artworks, special exhibitions, education programs, conservation efforts, community outreach, and online presence, it offers something for everyone. Whether you are an art lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, the Prado Museum is a must-visit destination.

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