The Prado is Spain’s main national art museum, displaying an extensive collection of artworks from the 12th to 20th centuries. Comprising four floors, the museum houses a wide selection of paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures, including renowned masterpieces from throughout art history. The museum has an extensive collection of Flemish and Italian masters and holds the greatest collection of Spanish art in the world.

Designed by Juan de Villanueva in 1819, the Museo del Prado was built as a museum to store the royal painting collections for King Ferdinand VII. The nature of the museum’s collections reflect the attitudes of the time, for instance, the way art collectors would procure specific artists’ work, rather than multiple artists’ work from specific art movements. This provides context for the museum’s extensive collections of individual artists, such as Goya, El Greco, Rubens, Bosch and Velázquez.

Additionally, the Prado’s world-renowned collection of Spanish art reveals tales of Spain’s struggles and history. Goya’s The Third of May 1808 is a masterpiece revealing the horrors of The Peninsular War, an important part of Spain’s history. Other Spanish masterpieces displayed include Velázquez’ Las Meninas, a revolutionary painting for its complex storytelling.

Opening Hours

Open Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 20:00

Sundays and holidays 10:00 – 19:00 (sometimes 14:00).

Closed 01 January, 01 May and 25 December

Entrance Fees

A timed entry is included in your Kirker holiday to Madrid - please speak to the Kirker Concierge before travel.