Museo Nacional del Prado

Established in 1819, the Museo Nacional del Prado is Spain’s premier art museum, featuring masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and others. Its neoclassical building, designed by Juan de Villanueva, has been expanded to accommodate its extensive collection. The museum is located along Madrid’s Paseo del Prado, a renowned cultural area, and is accessible via metro stations Atocha, Banco de España, and Estación del Arte. Visitors can explore a vast array of artworks spanning several centuries, reflecting Spain’s rich artistic heritage.

Planning your visit

The Prado rewards knowing what you're looking at. Spain's national art museum has held its collection since 1819 in Juan de Villanueva's neoclassical building on the Paseo del Prado, and its strength is depth rather than breadth: Velázquez, Goya, El Greco and the Spanish masters in far greater concentration than anywhere else. Without context, that concentration can blur; with a guide, it becomes a coherent story of several centuries of Spanish painting.

Bookable options reflect that. Entry tickets cover straightforward independent visits, while small-group expert-led tours and private tours with local guides focus on Velázquez and Goya specifically. Several formats build the museum into a wider Madrid day — pairing it with the Royal Palace and historic centre, a walk through El Retiro park, or a Spanish breakfast beforehand. Tours in languages other than English and Spanish are available too, and flexible passes combine the Prado with other Madrid attractions. Check the dates and formats below.