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Madrid · Spain

Museo del Prado

Known locally as Museo Nacional del Prado

Museo del Prado is a major museums stop in or near Madrid, offering see a concentrated survey of Spanish and European painting, especially Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens and Bosch.

Plan a trip here Website / visitor information
Museo del Prado Emilio J. Rodríguez Posada / Emijrp — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Typical visit
2 hours
Setting
Indoor
Region
Madrid & Central Royal Sites
Last checked
9 Aug 2026

Why visit

See a concentrated survey of Spanish and European painting, especially Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens and Bosch.

What you will see

  • Velázquez galleries.
  • Goya collection.
  • Villanueva building.

History

Opened to the public in 1819 in a neoclassical building designed by Juan de Villanueva; its royal collections became the foundation of Spain’s national art museum.

Photographs

Museo del Prado

Emilio J. Rodríguez Posada / Emijrp — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons · full attribution on the image credits page.

Visitor tips

  1. 1

    Allow about 120 minutes for the main visit, adjusting for queues, walking and optional sections.

  2. 2

    Check current access, opening and ticket information before setting out, especially in peak season.

About Madrid & Central Royal Sites

Madrid’s great museums, royal sites, historic core and easy day-trip palaces.

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Combine it with

More to see around Madrid

All of Madrid
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Already worked out

Ready-made trips through Madrid

All ready-made trips
Madrid Essentials 3 days · 8 stops · Moderate pace A compact first visit combining Madrid’s historic core, major art museums, green space and football culture. Madrid Royal Sites 4 days · 6 stops · Relaxed pace Pairs central Madrid with two of the region’s most important royal day trips.