Prado Museum opening hours
Planning your visit is essential to enjoy one of the world's finest art galleries, so checking the Prado Museum opening hours beforehand is highly recommended. The museum is generally open from 10:00 to 20:00, offering a wide window to explore its vast collection of masterpieces.
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Top attraction in Madrid
Enjoy masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya and other renowned artists at the Prado Museum.
Prado Museum opening times
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!
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:
| Day / Period | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday | 10:00 - 20:00 |
| Sunday and Holidays | 10:00 - 19:00 |
| January 6th, December 24th, and 31st | 10:00 - 14:00 |
| January 1st, May 1st, December 25th | Closed |
These hours can sometimes vary on special occasions or holidays.
Until what time can I stay at the Prado Museum?
Although the official closing time of the Prado Museum is 20:00 from Monday to Saturday (and 19:00 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 19:15 on weekdays and 18:15 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!
Is Prado free after 18:00?
Is Prado free after 18:00?
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 18:00 to 20:00. On Sundays and holidays, these free hours are moved up by one hour, allowing free entry from 17:00 to 19:00.
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 17:15–17:30.”
How long do you spend at the Prado Museum?
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.
More information about the Prado Museum
Prado Museum Tickets
Located in the heart of Madrid, the Prado Museum is one of the city’s most iconic attractions and a must for anyone visiting the capital. Home to the world’s finest collection of Spanish painting, along with masterpieces from other European schools, it offers an unforgettable journey through centuries of art.
With over 15,000 m² of exhibition space and works by more than 5,000 artists in its archives, the museum invites you to explore its vast galleries at your own pace. Entry requires a ticket, and opening hours vary depending on the day so planning ahead is key.
Secure your ticket now and make sure you don’t miss this essential Madrid experience!
