Museo del Prado, also known as the Prado Museum, is one of the most important and prestigious museums in the world. Located in Madrid, Spain, the museum houses an extensive collection of European art from the 12th to the 20th century, including masterpieces by some of the most celebrated artists in history, such as Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
If you're planning a visit to Museo del Prado, here's all you need to know to make the most of your experience:
Location and Getting There
The Museo del Prado is located in the heart of Madrid, on the Paseo del Prado. The address of the museum is Calle de Felipe IV s/n, 28014 Madrid, Spain. The easiest way to get there is by public transport. There are several metro stations within walking distance of the museum, including Banco de España (Line 2), Atocha (Line 1), and Retiro (Line 2).
If you prefer to take a bus, several lines stop close to the museum, including lines 9, 10, 14, 19, 27, 34, 37, 45, and 51. If you're driving, there is a parking lot located beneath the museum, but it can be quite expensive.
Admission and Hours
The museum is open every day of the week, except for January 1, May 1, and December 25. The opening hours are as follows:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Sundays and holidays: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Exhibitions and Collections
The Museo del Prado houses an extensive collection of over 35,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints. The collection is divided into several departments, including:
Spanish Painting: This department includes works by some of the most important Spanish painters, such as Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
Flemish Painting: This department features works by Flemish and Dutch painters, including Rubens, van Dyck, and Rembrandt.
Italian Painting: This department features works by Italian painters from the Renaissance to the Baroque period, including Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio.
French Painting: This department features works by French painters from the 16th to the 19th century, including Poussin, Watteau, and Géricault.
Drawings and Prints: This department includes over 7,000 drawings and 10,000 prints from the 15th to the 20th century, featuring works by some of the greatest artists in history.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Museo del Prado also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions often feature works from the museum's collection, as well as loans from other museums and private collections.
Guided Tours and Audio Guides
If you want to learn more about the museum's collection and history, you can take a guided tour or rent an audio guide. Guided tours are available in several languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. The tours are led by expert guides who can provide