Prado Museum

Spain's premier art museum, with a treasure trove of works dating as far back as the 12th century.

TravelCurious Tip

Look out for Titian's 1548 'Charles V at the Battle of Mühlberg' - the king is wearing the same armour you can see in person at the Armoury of the Royal Palace on the other side of the city.

Best of the best

The Museo del Prado is at the centre of Madrid, and features one of the world's finest collections of European art. Expanded from the former Spanish Royal collection, it now comprises around 7,600 paintings, 1,000 sculptures, 4,800 prints and 8,200 drawings, as well as many other works of art and historic documents. Around 1,300 artworks are on display in the main buildings: the crowning glory of the collection is Las Meninas by Velázquez, one of the most acclaimed masterpieces in all art history.

'Prado' comes from the meadow which gave its name to the area, and later to the museum after nationalisation: the grand main building opened in 1819 as the Royal Museum of Paintings and Sculptures. Today, other parts of the collection are also held in the Casón del Buen Retiro and the church of San Jerónimo el Real.


Old Masters and more

The artistic heritage of Spain is best represented, but there's no shortage of brilliant stuff by Italian and Dutch artists either: highlights include some of the greatest works by Fra Angelico, Goya, Rubens, Titian, Dürer, Raphael, Hieronymus Bosch and Tintoretto.

There's so much to see here that it can feel overwhelming. Luckily, the museum has devised three suggested routes - covering 15, 30 and 50 works in one hour, two hours, or three hours respectively - which cover the key works, and are a great option if you're short of time. Otherwise, take a whole day to drink in the delights.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Madrid
Las Meninas by Velázquez
This enigmatic painting is one of the crown jewels of the Prado collection.
Christ Washing the Disciples' Feet
An incredible representation by Tintoretto of the events before the Last Supper.
The Garden of Earthly Delights
An astounding triptych by Hieronymus Bosch, portraying fantastical crowds of people and monsters in a warning against temptation.
San Jerónimo el Real
A 16th century Roman Catholic church with royal connections, now used by the Prado Museum.
Juan Gris
Spanish paintor, Juan Gris or José Victoriano González, focused on developing cubism. We can find his amazing work at the Museo Reina Sofia.
Casón del Buen Retiro
One of two remaining 17th-century buildings in Buen Retiro Park, the Casón is home to a famous fresco.

Related Tours

Prado Museum & Reina Sofia: Private Madrid Half-Day Guided Tour
Marvel at world-class art in two of the finest museums of Spain: the Prado, and Reina Sofia. In this comprehensive, four-hour tour, you will feel immersed in the lives of some of the most influential European artists of the Renaissance, Baroque, and Modern Art movements. 

On your private tour, you will:

  • At the Prado Museum, explore the works of Spain's most famous artists such as Bosch, El Greco, Goya and Velazquez;
  • Admire the famous Las Meninas by Velázquez, one of the most iconic paintings in the museum;
  • After a re-fuel break walk some blocks towards the Reina Sofia Museum;
  • Enjoy a guided tour of the Reina Sofia Museum, Spain's national museum of modern and contemporary art;
  • Home to a renowned collection of cubist and surrealist works, see masterpieces by Juan Gris, Georges Braque, Miró, Dalí and Picasso including the famous painting "Guernica";
  • Your tour finishes inside the museum where your guide will part ways so you can enjoy the rest of the collection at your own pace.

You will begin your artist tour at the Spanish national art museum: the Prado Museum. Founded in 1819, it is well worth a visit just for its stunning neoclassical architecture, let alone its impressive collection of some 8,000 paintings and many beautiful sculptures, drawings and prints. Here, your expert guide will endeavour to shed some light on the major art movements you will see in the museum, including the Renaissance and Baroque. 

You will also learn about the social and cultural background of some of the most iconic paintings housed in the museum, such as the Spanish masterpiece Las Meninas by Velazquez; Artwork by Fran Angelico, the gifted creator of The Annunciation; Christ Washing the Disciple’s feet by Tintoretto, and masterpieces by the Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch. 

After a coffee break, you will move on to the Reina Sofia Museum, hosting some of the greatest Spanish artists of all time. Here your guide will walk you through artwork such as Picasso’s Guernica, a sensational political stand on the Spanish Civil War; a fantastic collection from Dalí, as well as a section fully dedicated to Joan Miró. 

Since this is a private tour, you will be able to ask your expert guide to focus on subjects that interest you. If you are a Baroque enthusiast or want a broader taste of European art, this tour will give you a great introduction to the subject. 

Your newfound knowledge may even impress your friends and family back home! 
The Best of Madrid: Private Half-Day Tour including Prado Museum
Explore the highlights of Madrid, Spain’s historic, vibrant and beautiful capital city on this half-day private walking tour, including entrance to the iconic Prado Museum. 

On your private tour, you will:

  • See the main attractions of Madrid as you learn about the fascinating history of the city;
  • Learn about the history of the Spanish royal family and its links to the Papacy as you stand outside the Palacio Real, the royal palace – considered the most important Baroque palace in Spain;
  • See the astonishing Catedral de la Almudena;
  • Stop by famous monuments and wander down elegant boulevards;
  • Explore Plaza de Oriente, Teatro Real and the Market of San Miguel;
  • Experience the grandeur and elegant atmosphere of the iconic Plaza Mayor, the beating heart of Madrid;
  • Admire the myriad of stunning architectural styles in Madrid, from Baroque to Spanish Gothic;
  • Enjoy a guided walk around the beautifully manicured Parque El Retiro;
  • Arrive at the Prado Museum, and enjoy a guided visit to this treasure trove of art;
  • Admire the world-famous Spanish masters such as Bosch, Goya, El Greco, and Diego Velazquez;
  • End your tour inside the museum, to continue at your own leisure.

Madrid, Spain's stunning capital, is a vibrant city famous for its elegant boulevards and vast, dazzling Plazas like the portico-lined Plaza Mayor, in the heart of old Hapsburg Madrid. You’ll see vibrant food markets, awe-inspiring cathedrals, and statues of famous Spaniards. 

The city is also very green with expansive, manicured parks such as the Parque el Retiro, where you will enjoy a stroll along as you bask in the sunny Spanish climate under fabulous blue skies!

Spain has one of the oldest and proudest royal families in Europe, and it remains a working monarchy to this day. Learn all about the history of the Spanish royals, like Ferdinand and Isabella, Philip II and many others, whilst standing in front of the magnificent Royal Palace. 

The city is also famous for being a cultural hub and is home to several museums – the most famous of which is of course the Prado, and your half-day highlights tour includes a fully guided tour of this repository of the best of Spanish art. Admire works by Goya and Velazquez, Bosch and El Greco among others – and let your guide know if you have any favourites or “must-sees”. 

You will end your tour inside the Prado to continue exploring at your leisure, explore the gift shop and enjoy a well-earned coffee break at the café. 
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