The Museo del Prado in Madrid: the most fascinating collection of European art in Spain

The largest art gallery in Spain was founded on November 19, 1819, and is currently one of the most visited museums in the world. With more than 200 years of history, it is considered one of the most important national institutions in the country. The Museo del Prado is filled with exhibitions and collections of works from artists that represent, to a large degree, the most significant parts of Spanish culture and history.

Beyond housing the best collection of Spanish art in the world, the museum also exhibits many masterpieces from major artists from all over Europe, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures. Along with the nearby Museo Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Museo del Prado makes up the popular Golden Triangle of Art in Madrid.

The must-see works at the Museo del Prado

Paintings make up the majority of the Museo del Prado's collection, with 7,600 pieces in total. The artists exhibited are predominantly Spanish, like Goya and Velázquez, but the gallery also includes British, German, Italian, French, Flemish and Dutch works. Las Meninas by Velázquez is one of Madrid’s Prado Museum’s most famous paintings. It is the jewel of the Prado and one of the main reasons why so many visitors attend room 12 of the museum daily.

Madrid’s uprising and rebellion against Napoleon’s troops is represented in the The Third of May 1808 painting. It is one of the most iconic works by Spanish painter Francisco Goya and it is now exhibited in room 64 of the Museo del Prado in Madrid. If you are enthusiastic about seeing works by Goya, we recommend going to room 38 to see The Naked Maja or to room 67 to stand in amazement of one of his most striking works: Saturn Devouring His Son.

One of the most complex and enigmatic works by Hieronymus Bosch, The Garden of Earthly Delights, can be found in room 56A. It is a triptych oil painting, loaded with colors, history and characters. If you are drawn to the Baroque period, you will be able to enjoy The Three Graces by Rubens, a symbol of beauty being exhibited on room 29 of the museum.

Among the most renowned paintings exhibited at the Museo del Prado we can also highlight David and Goliath by Caravaggio, Christ Washing the Disciples’ Feet by Tintoretto, The Fall of Man by Titian and The Dead Christ Supported by an Angel by Antonello da Messina.

The Museo del Prado has over 1,000 sculptures from the Renaissance, Classical and Baroque periods as well as various other historical epochs. In addition, the Dauphin's Treasure gallery showcases decorative art taken from the Spanish Royal Collection, including ceramics, Alcora pottery, Andalusian glass, Flemish tapestries and Buen Retiro porcelain.

Suggested tours

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 organized two primary routes that highlight and focus on the most notable pieces in the collection. With these routes you can see 15 masterpieces in one hour or a selection of 30 masterpieces to tour the Prado museum in two hours. We recommend downloading the plan, which offers detailed information about each work along with its location.

Tickets and Access to the Museo del Prado in Madrid

The general admission fee for the Museo del Prado is 15 euros, and admission is free for people under 18 and students between 18 and 25 years old. Moreover, admission to the main collection is free between 6-8pm from Monday to Saturday and between 5-7pm on Sundays and holidays, although be advised that the museum can get quite busy during these hours. If you are also planning on visiting the Museo Reina Sofía and the Thyssen Museum, you can acquire the Paseo del Arte Pass for 32€, which gives you access to the three museums within one year of purchasing it. The guided tour of the museum has a duration of 90 minutes at a rate of 25€ per person for a maximum of 29 visitors.

The Museo del Prado in Madrid is easy to reach using public transport, with nearby metro stations at Banco de España (line 2) and Estación del arte (line 1). You can also reach the museum on the Cercanías train, getting off at the Atocha RENFE station, or on Madrid’s public bus system. 

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.