Prado Museum

Tickets are sold on the museum's own site and at the museum, and a combined pass also covers the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofía, as of Oct 2026. The Book box on this page shows partner tickets and current prices.

The Prado opens every day and closes a little earlier on Sundays and public holidays; the hours box shows this month's times, as of Oct 2026. Closed on 25 December 2026 and 1 January 2027 Arriving at opening on a weekday usually gives the calmest start in the main galleries.

Many visitors allow about 2–3 h, as of Oct 2026. The collection is vast, so most people choose a few galleries, such as the Velázquez and Goya rooms, instead of trying to cover it all. Bosch, Rubens and El Greco can fill extra time.

The Villanueva building holds most of the painting and sculpture, with Spanish, Italian and Flemish masters, while the modern extension behind the Los Jerónimos cloister hosts temporary exhibitions. Highlights include Las Meninas, Goya's Black Paintings and Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights.

Yes, in a free-entry slot during the final hours before closing each day, as of Oct 2026. The museum's site explains how free tickets are handed out. Those slots are often busy, so many visitors prefer a paid ticket at a calmer hour.