Ready to discover the Prado Museum? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why you should visit the Prado Museum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/06\/Prado-Museum-Entrance.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Museo del Prado may not be the largest art museum in the world<\/a>, but it is considered to have one of the greatest collections of masterpieces from Spanish painters El Greco, Goya, and Vel\u00e1zquez, as well as the Dutch and Italian painters Hieronymous Bosch and Titian. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHoused in an 18th-century Neoclassical building designed by the architect Juan de Villanueva, the Prado is unique because it reflects the collecting preferences of the Spanish monarchs from the 16th and 17th centuries. In fact, the museum is often described as one of \u201cpainters\u201d rather than \u201cpaintings.\u201d The royals focused on accumulating as many works as possible from their favorite painters, not works that were representative of specific schools of art. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t![\"victor-OO0_7yJa-s0-unsplash-2-1000×660](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/06\/victor-OO0_7yJa-s0-unsplash-2-1000x660-1-500x500.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t![\"Tourist-in-Madrid-1-768×512\"](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/06\/Tourist-in-Madrid-1-768x512-1-250x250.jpg\")
\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe best of Madrid in one culture-packed morning<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHighlights of Madrid Walking Tour<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s because of this collecting history that the Prado has the largest holdings \u2014 in some cases more than 100 works! \u2014 of Titian, Bosch, El Greco, Goya, and more. Today, the museum has a collection of over 20,000 works of drawings, paintings, and sculptures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But how did the Prado get started as a royal museum? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How the Prado Museum got started <\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Madrid](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/06\/Spain_Statue_Diego_Velazquez.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe renowned Spanish architect Juan de Villanueva was ordered to construct the museum building in 1785 by King Charles (Carlos) III. While Charles wanted it to serve as the Cabinet of Natural Sciences, it wasn\u2019t completed until his grandson King Ferdinand VII\u2019s reign. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ferdinand\u2019s wife Queen Maria Isabel de Braganza had different ideas for the Neoclassical building: make it the Royal Museum of Paintings and Sculptures. Starting in the 16th century under the patronage of Emperor Charles V, the royal collections significantly grew and were added to by each successive monarch. King Ferdinand and Queen Maria Isabel wanted to show off how much art was owned by the crown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\tRelated<\/div>\n\t\n\t\tA symbol of Catalan heritage with a regal past<\/a><\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Prado Museum opened to the public in November 1819, and the collection on display continued to grow until extensions needed to be built in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, we\u2019re able to see masterpieces from the greatest Spanish, Flemish, Italian, French, and German artists because of the admiration Spanish monarchs had for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Planning your visit to the Prado Museum <\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/06\/Prado-Museum-entrance-line-1024x768.jpg\")
Credit: F Delventhal \/ CC BY 2.0 DEED<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nTo make the most of your limited time, do some research and make a plan for visiting the Prado. Not just because the museum is huge \u2014 it is! \u2014 but because there are free days and other options to save money and time for an even more memorable experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Opening times and buying tickets <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Except for Christmas and New Year\u2019s Day, the Prado Museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While most people like to visit the art museum when it opens, the Prado offers free access for the last two hours of the day, every day of the week. How cool is that? However, you\u2019ll want to arrive more than 30 minutes before closing time, as they start asking visitors to leave 10 minutes before. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Prado uses a timed-entry system, so you can only enter the museum at the time on your ticket. Purchase your tickets in advance to ensure you can get the day and time you want. General admission starts at \u20ac15 and \u20ac7.50 for people 65 and older. Admission is free for anyone under 18, and you can learn more about other discounted ticket options on the museum website<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nTip<\/strong>: Consider buying an Art Walk Pass<\/a> for \u20ac32 if you\u2019re also planning to visit the Museo Reina Sof\u00eda and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. <\/p>\n\n\n\nGetting to the museum <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Prado Museum is centrally located and easily accessible by car, bus, metro, or walking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a few bus stops that put you within a short walking distance of the museum: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Prado Museum – Botanical Garden (1-minute walk) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Alfonso XII – Botanical Garden (6-minute walk) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prado – Atocha (6-minute walk) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re taking the metro, these are the main stops to look out for: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Ant\u00f3n Mart\u00edn (8-minute walk) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Art Station (9-minute walk) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bank of Spain (9-minute walk) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sevilla (12-minute walk) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Choosing an entrance <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Prado has five entrances, and there are a few things to consider before you choose which one you\u2019ll use. If you don\u2019t buy tickets in advance, you can purchase them through an automated ticket machine at Puerta de Goya Alta<\/strong> on the western side of the building or at the ticket counters at Puerta de Goya Baja<\/strong>, which is also on the western side. <\/p>\n\n\n\nOur recommendation<\/strong>: Use the ticket machines at Puerta de Goya Alta. During the peak season, you could be waiting in line for up to 1.5 hours to get a ticket at Puerta de Goya Baja. <\/p>\n\n\n\nPuerta de Vel\u00e1zquez is the main entrance and is exclusively for pre-booked ticket holders, so you\u2019ll get right in if you purchased in advance. Advanced bookings will also help you skip the line in front of Puerta de los Jer\u00f3nimos and Puerta de Murillo. Jer\u00f3nimos is an accessible entrance for people with reduced mobility or traveling with strollers. Group tours should enter through Murillo.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nNavigating the Prado Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Finding your way around the Prado can be overwhelming, so pick up a free map at the entrance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The museum\u2019s collections are housed in two buildings: the original Villanueva building and the expansion into the Jer\u00f3nimos Cloister. Inside, there are three floors of galleries to explore. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ground floor<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nHere you\u2019ll find the Prado Cafe and gift shop, as well as permanent and temporary exhibitions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Look out for: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Bosch\u2019s \u201cThe Garden of Earthly Delights\u201d (Room 56A) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Raphael\u2019s \u201cThe Cardinal\u201d (Room 49) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Goya\u2019s \u201cThe Third of May 1808\u201d (Room 64) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
First floor<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nThis is where you\u2019ll find temporary and permanent exhibitions of paintings from the 15th and 18th centuries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Look out for: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Titian\u2019s \u201cThe Bacchanal of the Andrians\u201d (Room 42) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Caravaggio\u2019s \u201cDavid with the Head of Goliath\u201d (Room 6) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Greco\u2019s \u201cThe Nobleman with His Hand on His Chest\u201d (Room 9B) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Vel\u00e1zquez\u2019s \u201cLas Meninas (The Maids of Honor)\u201d (Room 12) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Second floor<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nOn this floor, you\u2019ll find the Leoni Cloister, sculptures, and paintings and decorative arts from the 17th and 18th centuries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Look out for: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Rembrandt\u2019s \u201cJudith and the Banquet of Holofernes\u201d (Room 76) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rubens\u2019s and Brueghel\u2019s \u201cSense of Sight\u201d (Room 83) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Treasure of Dauphin (Room 79B) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Deciding how much time to spend in the museum <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We recommend going to the Prado in the afternoon when there are fewer visitors and spending at least 2-3 hours looking at the collection highlights<\/a>, but you can spend longer if you\u2019re really interested in art.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat to see at the Prado Museum <\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Prado](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/06\/Prado-Museum-drunkards-.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPictures aren\u2019t allowed in the Prado, but seeing masterpieces like Vel\u00e1zquez\u2019s \u201cLas Meninas\u201d or \u201cThe Drinkers\u201d (above) up close is still an unforgettable experience. We\u2019ve picked a few other highlights and hidden gems from the museum\u2019s collection that no art lover should leave without seeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Highlights you don\u2019t want to miss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Prado](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/06\/the-garden-of-earthly-delights.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nProbably the most important example of Flemish art at the Prado is Bosch\u2019s \u201cThe Garden of Earthly Delights\u201d (above), a triptych that depicts the fate of humanity in what appears to be a scene out of the film \u201cPoor Things.\u201d This surreal painting is thought to have even inspired the Spanish painter Salvador Dal\u00ed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
More Dutch masterpieces<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- \u201cThe Descent from the Cross\u201d by Rogier van der Weyden <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cThe Three Graces\u201d by Peter Paul Rubens <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Art historians are still trying to identify the sitter in Raphael\u2019s \u201cThe Cardinal,\u201d but that doesn\u2019t make it any less of an Italian masterpiece that should be on your Prado Museum itinerary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
More famous Italian paintings:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- \u201cCarlos V at the Battle of M\u00fchlburg\u201d by Titian <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cThe Annunciation\u201d by Fra Angelico <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cThe Foot Washing\u201d by Tintoretto <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Hidden gems of the Prado <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t limit yourself to the works everyone flocks to see \u2014 there are plenty of hidden gems on display in the Prado Museum like Dauphin\u2019s Treasure, a collection of decorative vessels from Philip V. Made from crystal and other precious stones, these vessels are perfect examples of royal decadence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What to know before you visit the Prado Museum <\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Goya](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/06\/goya-statue-outside-el-prado.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhy is the Prado Museum famous?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Prado Museum in Madrid is known for its comprehensive collection of Spanish art, as well as its holdings of European paintings from Flemish and Italian schools. El Greco, Goya, Bosch, and Titian are among the many famous artists whose works visitors flock to see. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How long should I spend in the Prado?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhile the Prado is a large art museum with a collection of over 20,000 paintings, sculptures, and more, the amount of time you spend looking around is up to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Knowing that visitors are often short on time, the Prado Museum recommends a museum route of 15 masterpieces<\/a> that can be completed in as little as an hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is the best time to visit the Prado Museum?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nArriving in the mid-afternoon could help you avoid some of the crowds, so you can take in Bosch\u2019s \u201cThe Garden of Earthly Delights\u201d and Vel\u00e1zquez\u2019s \u201cLas Meninas\u201d without feeling rushed. Going first thing in the morning is better if it\u2019s the top priority for your day, and you want to make sure you see everything before you get tired with sightseeing elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But really, the Prado Museum is always fairly busy since it\u2019s a popular Madrid attraction. So I recommend timing your visit based on the rest of your day. What is the weather like? Do you want to spend the morning outdoors when the temps are cooler, or will it be raining in the afternoon? When will you be close to the Prado Museum? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s also a good idea to eat before you go since you can\u2019t leave the museum for lunch and re-enter on the same day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is the most important artwork at the Prado Museum?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nThere are many iconic paintings in the Prado Museum, so it\u2019s hard to choose one. Here are a few important works you don\u2019t want to miss: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Vel\u00e1zquez\u2019s \u201cLas Meninas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bosch\u2019s \u201cThe Garden of Earthly Delights\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- El Greco\u2019s \u201cThe Nobleman with His Hand on His Chest\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Raphael\u2019s \u201cThe Cardinal\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rubens\u2019s \u201cThe Three Graces\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ribera\u2019s \u201cJacob\u2019s Dream\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Goya\u2019s \u201cThe Third of May in 1808\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Flandes\u2019s \u201cThe Crucifixion\u201d <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How much is admission to the Prado Museum?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nGeneral admission starts at \u20ac15, but there are reduced ticket options for people 65 and older, youth card holders, and large families. Entry is free for anyone under 18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do you need to buy tickets to the Prado Museum in advance?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Prado Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Madrid, so it\u2019s recommended that you buy your tickets for timed entry in advance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can you take photos in the Prado? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nPhotography is prohibited in the Prado Museum, but you\u2019ll find images for the great masterpieces in their collection on the museum website<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhere is the Prado Museum located? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Prado Museum is located in central Madrid and is easily accessible by car or public transportation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is the Prado the largest art museum in the world? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nNo, the Prado is not the largest art museum in the world. That title is held by the Louvre Museum<\/a> in Paris. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhich museums make up the \u201cGolden Triangle\u201d in Madrid? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Golden Triangle of Art in Madrid refers to the capital\u2019s three iconic art museums located on the Paseo del Prado: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- The Prado Museum<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sof\u00eda<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What other attractions are near the Prado Museum? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThere are lots of other attractions near the Prado Museum, including the two other museums that make up Madrid\u2019s Golden Triangle: the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sof\u00eda and the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll also find the Royal Palace<\/a>, which is the largest in Western Europe, the Egyptian Temple of Debod that you\u2019ll visit on our Madrid highlights walking tour<\/a>, and the beautiful El Retiro Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\nVisiting the Prado Museum\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Prado](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/06\/Prado-Museum-tour-1-1024x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Museo del Prado may not be the largest art museum in the world<\/a>, but it is considered to have one of the greatest collections of masterpieces from Spanish painters El Greco, Goya, and Vel\u00e1zquez, as well as the Dutch and Italian painters Hieronymous Bosch and Titian. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Housed in an 18th-century Neoclassical building designed by the architect Juan de Villanueva, the Prado is unique because it reflects the collecting preferences of the Spanish monarchs from the 16th and 17th centuries. In fact, the museum is often described as one of \u201cpainters\u201d rather than \u201cpaintings.\u201d The royals focused on accumulating as many works as possible from their favorite painters, not works that were representative of specific schools of art. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\t Highlights of Madrid Walking Tour<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n It\u2019s because of this collecting history that the Prado has the largest holdings \u2014 in some cases more than 100 works! \u2014 of Titian, Bosch, El Greco, Goya, and more. Today, the museum has a collection of over 20,000 works of drawings, paintings, and sculptures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But how did the Prado get started as a royal museum? <\/p>\n\n\n\n The renowned Spanish architect Juan de Villanueva was ordered to construct the museum building in 1785 by King Charles (Carlos) III. While Charles wanted it to serve as the Cabinet of Natural Sciences, it wasn\u2019t completed until his grandson King Ferdinand VII\u2019s reign. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ferdinand\u2019s wife Queen Maria Isabel de Braganza had different ideas for the Neoclassical building: make it the Royal Museum of Paintings and Sculptures. Starting in the 16th century under the patronage of Emperor Charles V, the royal collections significantly grew and were added to by each successive monarch. King Ferdinand and Queen Maria Isabel wanted to show off how much art was owned by the crown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A symbol of Catalan heritage with a regal past<\/a><\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The Prado Museum opened to the public in November 1819, and the collection on display continued to grow until extensions needed to be built in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, we\u2019re able to see masterpieces from the greatest Spanish, Flemish, Italian, French, and German artists because of the admiration Spanish monarchs had for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To make the most of your limited time, do some research and make a plan for visiting the Prado. Not just because the museum is huge \u2014 it is! \u2014 but because there are free days and other options to save money and time for an even more memorable experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Except for Christmas and New Year\u2019s Day, the Prado Museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While most people like to visit the art museum when it opens, the Prado offers free access for the last two hours of the day, every day of the week. How cool is that? However, you\u2019ll want to arrive more than 30 minutes before closing time, as they start asking visitors to leave 10 minutes before. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Prado uses a timed-entry system, so you can only enter the museum at the time on your ticket. Purchase your tickets in advance to ensure you can get the day and time you want. General admission starts at \u20ac15 and \u20ac7.50 for people 65 and older. Admission is free for anyone under 18, and you can learn more about other discounted ticket options on the museum website<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip<\/strong>: Consider buying an Art Walk Pass<\/a> for \u20ac32 if you\u2019re also planning to visit the Museo Reina Sof\u00eda and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Prado Museum is centrally located and easily accessible by car, bus, metro, or walking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a few bus stops that put you within a short walking distance of the museum: <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re taking the metro, these are the main stops to look out for: <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Prado has five entrances, and there are a few things to consider before you choose which one you\u2019ll use. If you don\u2019t buy tickets in advance, you can purchase them through an automated ticket machine at Puerta de Goya Alta<\/strong> on the western side of the building or at the ticket counters at Puerta de Goya Baja<\/strong>, which is also on the western side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Our recommendation<\/strong>: Use the ticket machines at Puerta de Goya Alta. During the peak season, you could be waiting in line for up to 1.5 hours to get a ticket at Puerta de Goya Baja. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Puerta de Vel\u00e1zquez is the main entrance and is exclusively for pre-booked ticket holders, so you\u2019ll get right in if you purchased in advance. Advanced bookings will also help you skip the line in front of Puerta de los Jer\u00f3nimos and Puerta de Murillo. Jer\u00f3nimos is an accessible entrance for people with reduced mobility or traveling with strollers. Group tours should enter through Murillo.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Finding your way around the Prado can be overwhelming, so pick up a free map at the entrance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The museum\u2019s collections are housed in two buildings: the original Villanueva building and the expansion into the Jer\u00f3nimos Cloister. Inside, there are three floors of galleries to explore. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ground floor<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here you\u2019ll find the Prado Cafe and gift shop, as well as permanent and temporary exhibitions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Look out for: <\/p>\n\n\n\n First floor<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is where you\u2019ll find temporary and permanent exhibitions of paintings from the 15th and 18th centuries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Look out for: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Second floor<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n On this floor, you\u2019ll find the Leoni Cloister, sculptures, and paintings and decorative arts from the 17th and 18th centuries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Look out for: <\/p>\n\n\n\n We recommend going to the Prado in the afternoon when there are fewer visitors and spending at least 2-3 hours looking at the collection highlights<\/a>, but you can spend longer if you\u2019re really interested in art.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pictures aren\u2019t allowed in the Prado, but seeing masterpieces like Vel\u00e1zquez\u2019s \u201cLas Meninas\u201d or \u201cThe Drinkers\u201d (above) up close is still an unforgettable experience. We\u2019ve picked a few other highlights and hidden gems from the museum\u2019s collection that no art lover should leave without seeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Probably the most important example of Flemish art at the Prado is Bosch\u2019s \u201cThe Garden of Earthly Delights\u201d (above), a triptych that depicts the fate of humanity in what appears to be a scene out of the film \u201cPoor Things.\u201d This surreal painting is thought to have even inspired the Spanish painter Salvador Dal\u00ed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n More Dutch masterpieces<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Art historians are still trying to identify the sitter in Raphael\u2019s \u201cThe Cardinal,\u201d but that doesn\u2019t make it any less of an Italian masterpiece that should be on your Prado Museum itinerary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n More famous Italian paintings:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t limit yourself to the works everyone flocks to see \u2014 there are plenty of hidden gems on display in the Prado Museum like Dauphin\u2019s Treasure, a collection of decorative vessels from Philip V. Made from crystal and other precious stones, these vessels are perfect examples of royal decadence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why is the Prado Museum famous?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Prado Museum in Madrid is known for its comprehensive collection of Spanish art, as well as its holdings of European paintings from Flemish and Italian schools. El Greco, Goya, Bosch, and Titian are among the many famous artists whose works visitors flock to see. <\/p>\n\n\n\n How long should I spend in the Prado?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n While the Prado is a large art museum with a collection of over 20,000 paintings, sculptures, and more, the amount of time you spend looking around is up to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowing that visitors are often short on time, the Prado Museum recommends a museum route of 15 masterpieces<\/a> that can be completed in as little as an hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is the best time to visit the Prado Museum?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Arriving in the mid-afternoon could help you avoid some of the crowds, so you can take in Bosch\u2019s \u201cThe Garden of Earthly Delights\u201d and Vel\u00e1zquez\u2019s \u201cLas Meninas\u201d without feeling rushed. Going first thing in the morning is better if it\u2019s the top priority for your day, and you want to make sure you see everything before you get tired with sightseeing elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But really, the Prado Museum is always fairly busy since it\u2019s a popular Madrid attraction. So I recommend timing your visit based on the rest of your day. What is the weather like? Do you want to spend the morning outdoors when the temps are cooler, or will it be raining in the afternoon? When will you be close to the Prado Museum? <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also a good idea to eat before you go since you can\u2019t leave the museum for lunch and re-enter on the same day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is the most important artwork at the Prado Museum?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many iconic paintings in the Prado Museum, so it\u2019s hard to choose one. Here are a few important works you don\u2019t want to miss: <\/p>\n\n\n\n How much is admission to the Prado Museum?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n General admission starts at \u20ac15, but there are reduced ticket options for people 65 and older, youth card holders, and large families. Entry is free for anyone under 18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you need to buy tickets to the Prado Museum in advance?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Prado Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Madrid, so it\u2019s recommended that you buy your tickets for timed entry in advance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Can you take photos in the Prado? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Photography is prohibited in the Prado Museum, but you\u2019ll find images for the great masterpieces in their collection on the museum website<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Where is the Prado Museum located? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Prado Museum is located in central Madrid and is easily accessible by car or public transportation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Is the Prado the largest art museum in the world? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n No, the Prado is not the largest art museum in the world. That title is held by the Louvre Museum<\/a> in Paris. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Which museums make up the \u201cGolden Triangle\u201d in Madrid? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Golden Triangle of Art in Madrid refers to the capital\u2019s three iconic art museums located on the Paseo del Prado: <\/p>\n\n\n\n What other attractions are near the Prado Museum? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are lots of other attractions near the Prado Museum, including the two other museums that make up Madrid\u2019s Golden Triangle: the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sof\u00eda and the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll also find the Royal Palace<\/a>, which is the largest in Western Europe, the Egyptian Temple of Debod that you\u2019ll visit on our Madrid highlights walking tour<\/a>, and the beautiful El Retiro Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\tHow the Prado Museum got started <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPlanning your visit to the Prado Museum <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Opening times and buying tickets <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Getting to the museum <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Choosing an entrance <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Navigating the Prado Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Deciding how much time to spend in the museum <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to see at the Prado Museum <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHighlights you don\u2019t want to miss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Hidden gems of the Prado <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to know before you visit the Prado Museum <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Visiting the Prado Museum\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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