Prado Museum Opening Hours

Prado Museum | Unveiling Spain's Artistic Treasures

The Prado Museum, also known as the Museo Nacional del Prado is the the largest and most visited attraction in central Madrid. It was designed by architect Juan de Villanueva in 1785 and was first accessible to the public in November 1819. It houses European art collections from the 12th to the early 20th centuries. The museum has an incredible collection of exquisite paintings from the Spanish Golden Era and Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces.


Some renowned artworks include Death of the Virgin by Mantegna, The Nobleman with his hand on His Chest by El Greco, and The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch. Over 7,500 paintings, 8,000 drawings, 4,800 prints, and 1,000 sculptures are housed on the museum's four levels. Find out the detailed Prado Museum opening hours to appropriately schedule your visit. This ensures you can make the most of your time exploring its artworks and have a memorable experience.

Best Time to Visit Prado Museum

Weekday vs Weekend

The Prado Museum is one of the most visited art museums in the world and a popular tourist destination in Europe. The best time to visit is around 10 am to skip the large crowds. Another ideal time is between 2 pm and 4 pm. Additionally, plan your visit on the weekdays as weekends tend to attract many visitors. For free admission, visit Monday to Saturday from 6 pm to 8 pm, or Sundays and public holidays from 5 pm to 7 pm. But, you can expect larger crowds during these free hours. Additionally, check out Prado Museum's opening hours before visiting for a hassle-free trip. 


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Peak Season vs Low Season

Peak season : Spring or fall are considered peak season and the ideal times to visit the Prado Museum. Madrid experiences its springtime from March through May. Spring is the best season because it brings lots of sunshine and comfortable temperatures that reach up to 22 degrees Celsius. Moreover, the autumn season, from October to November is another excellent time to visit the museum. 


Low season: December and January mark the start of the winter season, regarded as the low season. This is a fantastic time to get deals on hotel reservations. June to August marks another low season due to the scorching heat. The temperatures during this time are around 27 degrees Celsius.


Prado Museum Opening Hours

  • Prado Museum’s opening hours from Monday to Saturday are 10 am to 8 pm On Sundays and public holidays it opens at 10 am and closes at 7 pm.  
  • Free entry is from Monday to Saturday between 6 pm to 8 pm and on Sundays and public holidays from 5 pm to 7 pm.
  • The museum remains closed on 1st January, 1st May, and 25th December. 
  • Limited opening hours on 6th January, 24th December, and 31st December from 10 am to 2 pm.
  • As Prado Museum's collection is very extensive, it is advised to spend 3 to 5 hours exploring everything. 

How Long Should One Spend At The Prado Museum?

1-2 hours

If you have limited time, focus on the Prado Museum's highlights to maximise your visit. You can spend an hour or two viewing iconic masterpieces such as Bosch's "The Garden of Earthly Delights”, Velázquez's "Las Meninas," Other must-sees include Greco’s “Knight With Hand on His Chest”, Goya's "The Third of May 1808” and The Three Graces by Peter Paul Rubens. This focused visit ensures you experience some of the collection's most celebrated works in a short duration of time. 


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3-4 hours

For a thorough experience, schedule your visit for at least half a day to the Prado Museum. In 3 to 4 hours, explore additional sections featuring paintings by renowned artists, including Emperor Carlos V on Horseback by Titian, Death of the Virgin by Andrea Mantegna and Goya's Maja series. In addition to this, you can see Spanish Painting, German Sculptures and Flemish Painting. This longer visit offers a deeper appreciation of the museum's vast collection. 


Must Checkout: Collections of Prado Museum

Entire day

Art enthusiasts and those passionate about art history should consider dedicating a full day to the Prado Museum. This allows enough time to explore every area, including the several floors and wings of the museum. Take your time to examine each painting's elaborate artwork and find hidden treasures in the collection. Remember that the Prado is vast, so trying to see everything in a single visit might be too much.


Must Read: Paintings in Prado Musuem

FAQs

What are the Prado Museum's opening hours?

Prado Museum's opening hours from Monday to Saturday are from 10 am to 8 pm, and Sundays and public holidays from 10 am to 7 pm. Free entry is available from Monday to Saturday between 6 pm and 8 pm and on Sundays and public holidays from 5 pm to 7 pm. On 6th January, 24th December, and 31st December, it closes early at 2 pm.

Is the Prado Museum open every day?

The Prado Museum is open daily except on 1st January, 1st May, and 25th December. It operates from 10 am to 8 pm Monday to Saturday, and 10 am to 7 pm on Sundays and public holidays. On 6 January, 24 December, and 31 December, it closes at 2 pm. 

When is the Prado Museum closed?

Prado Museum remains closed on 1st January, 1st May, and 25th December. Moreover, on 6 January, 24 December, and 31 December, it has limited opening hours and closes at 2 pm. It is advised to check the Prado Museum timings for any updates or changes before your visit.

How long should I spend at the Prado Museum?

It is recommended to spend at least 2 to 4 hours at the Prado Museum to explore its vast collections. However, for a more thorough experience, consider dedicating a full day to deeper into the museum's artworks and exhibitions. 

Is the Prado Museum open on public holidays?

Yes, the Prado Museum is open on public holidays from 10 am to 7 pm. On 6th January, 24 December, and 31 December, the museum has limited hours, from 10 am to 2 pm.

What are the Prado Museum hours for exhibitions?

The Prado Museum's timings for exhibitions are Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, and Sundays and public holidays from 10 am to 7 pm. However, it remains closed on 1st January, 1st May and 25th December. 

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