The Museo Nacional del Prado is an art museum on Paseo del Prado in Madrid, with a permanent Collection and temporary exhibitions. Planning around Museo del Prado tickets, opening hours and ticket options can help you decide when to go and how to fit the visit into a Madrid itinerary.
- Location: Paseo del Prado s/n, 28014 Madrid
- Opening pattern: Monday through Saturday, 10:00–20:00; Sundays and public holidays, 10:00–19:00
- General admission: €15, including the Collection and temporary exhibitions
- Free Collection entry: During the last two hours before closing, subject to capacity
Choosing a time to visit the Prado
The Prado is open for longer from Monday through Saturday than on Sundays and public holidays, so check the day’s schedule before choosing a time. It closes on January 1, May 1 and December 25. On January 6, December 24 and December 31, reduced hours run from 10:00 to 14:00.
Admission is allowed until 30 minutes before closing, and visitors are asked to leave the galleries 10 minutes before closing. That leaves less time for a late entry than the posted closing hour might suggest. For a visit focused on the Collection, allow time to enter and make your way through the galleries before they begin clearing.
Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Photography and filming are not permitted in the galleries. You cannot bring scooters or bicycles, suitcases or bulky items larger than 40 × 40 cm, or animals other than authorised ones.
Tickets, timed entry and free hours
Museo del Prado tickets require a timed pass: when you buy, you choose a date and entry time. The museum recommends buying online to avoid waiting. General admission costs €15 and covers the Collection and temporary exhibitions; an audio guide costs €5 extra.
Reduced admission costs €7.50 for people over 65, Youth Card holders and members of large families. Bring valid, current official proof to the ticket office on the day of your visit to qualify.
Free admission is available to several groups, including visitors under 18 and students aged 18–25, with eligibility proof required. Other eligible groups include qualifying art students over 25, people with a disability level of at least 33%, legally unemployed visitors, active teaching staff and specified large-family groups.
The Collection has free admission during the last two hours before closing: Monday through Saturday from 18:00 to 20:00, and Sundays and public holidays from 17:00 to 19:00. Free-hour entry depends on capacity and covers the Collection; temporary exhibitions are offered at a 50% ticket discount during this period.
The ticket office sells tickets from 9:45 until 30 minutes before closing and accepts cash and card payments. A free cloakroom is available at all entrances for coats and personal items that cannot go into the galleries, but capacity is limited. Wheelchairs and baby strollers are available to borrow free of charge.
Getting to the museum from the hotel area
The Prado is at Paseo del Prado s/n, 28014 Madrid. Valdecarros station is about a 32-minute walk from Hostal Mediterranea.
Planning a museum visit around nearby Madrid sights
The Prado can be combined with visits to the Museo Reina Sofía and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza using the Art Walk pass. It costs €32.80 and allows one visit to each museum within one year of purchase.
A one-day route through central Madrid can help you plan how to fit these museums into your itinerary. If you plan to visit all three, compare that pass with buying admission separately before deciding.
For a private visit, the museum offers sessions from 9:00 to 10:00 at €50 per person. You must bring your own guide, book at least 72 hours ahead and meet the minimum group size of 12.
Visitors with disabilities have priority access at ticket offices 1 and 2 and can enter the building via the Jerónimos Entrance at c/ Felipe IV s/n. For visitor-service questions, contact the museum at +34 910 68 30 01 or cav@museodelprado.es.
Before you go: Hours, ticket prices and access arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.
FAQs
Do you need to book Museo del Prado tickets in advance?
Entry requires a timed pass, and you select the date and time when purchasing. The museum recommends buying online to avoid waiting.
When is admission to the Prado free?
Free admission to the Collection is available during the last two hours before closing, subject to capacity. The hours differ between weekdays and Sundays or public holidays.
Can you take a suitcase into the Prado?
Suitcases and bulky items larger than 40 × 40 cm are not allowed in. A free cloakroom is available at the entrances, but space is limited.
Can you visit the Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza with one ticket?
The €32.80 Art Walk pass includes one visit to each museum within one year of purchase.