Here is a summary of the Prado’s opening hours so you can plan your visit with ease.
If you are an art lover, then visiting the Prado Museum is a must do on your list. The Prado Museum is the most popular attraction in Madrid, which means it will be crowded. So knowing its opening hours and when you should visit is crucial for a smooth experience. Take note of our recommendations!
| Day / Period | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Sunday and Holidays | 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| January 6th, December 24th, and 31st | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
| January 1st, May 1st, December 25th | ❌ Closed |
The Prado Museum is open every day, so you should not worry about getting there on a closed day. On weekdays and weekends, there is a one hour gap between closing times:
These hours can sometimes vary on special occasions or holidays. It is always a good idea to check its opening hours before visiting. Though schedules change in rare cases, it is better to be informed.
Although the official closing time of the Prado Museum is 8:00 PM from Monday to Saturday (and 7:00 PM on Sundays and holidays), you should keep in mind that the galleries begin to be cleared approximately 45 minutes before the closing time. This means that museum staff will start asking visitors to head toward the exit around 7:15 PM on weekdays and 6:15 PM on Sundays. Therefore, to make the most of your time, it is recommended to plan your actual departure about 30 to 45 minutes before the official closing hour. Don’t forget!
Yes! The Prado Museum offers free access to its permanent collection during the last two hours of opening from Monday to Saturday, that is, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. On Sundays and holidays, these free hours are moved up by one hour, allowing free entry from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
It is important to keep in mind that this option is very popular and usually generates long queues. Therefore, we recommend arriving at the museum doors well in advance. As a Reddit user suggests, “If you’re trying to make the most of your time inside, I would plan to be in line by 5:15-5:30.”
To determine how much time to spend at the Prado Museum, you should consider whether you want to see the works and have a general overview or if you prefer to observe everything in detail. If you prefer the first option, 2 to 3 hours will be sufficient. On the other hand, if you are passionate about art and history, your visit to the Prado Museum should last between 5 and 6 hours, as there is a vast collection by various artists and this amount of time will allow you to see it all.
For a better and more informed experience, consider taking a guided tour, as the guides will provide informative commentary while showing you the Prado’s most famous paintings.
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