Museo Del Prado
Museo Del Prado
4 minutes read•Published on 04-11-2024
The Museo del Prado, situated in the heart of Madrid, Spain, is a globally renowned art museum. It opened its doors in 1819, featuring a rich and vast array of European artworks from the 12th to the early 20th century. Many of these pieces came from the Spanish Royal Collection. The museum is especially famous for housing numerous works by well-known artists such as Velazquez, Goya, and El Greco. As a significant cultural institution in Spain, it attracts millions of people from all over the world each year.
Tickets & tours
A selection of the best tours to experience the Museo Del Prado with our partner GetYourGuide. These tours offer the best experience for visitors from all around the world.
A short history
The Museo del Prado, located in Madrid, Spain, holds a globally recognized status among art museums. It was opened in 1819 to display the art collected by the Spanish royalty. As of today, it houses 8,600 paintings and over 700 sculptures.
The original intent of King Charles III in the 1780s was to build the Prado as a museum for natural sciences. Nevertheless, it was his grandson, Ferdinand VII, who decided to turn it into a public art gallery. The building was first named the Royal Museum of Paintings and Sculptures before receiving its present name, the Museo del Prado.
Art enthusiasts can explore Spanish art history from the 11th to the 18th centuries at the Museo del Prado. It showcases works from renowned artists such as Francisco Goya, Diego Velazquez, and Titian. The museum also holds key collections from other European artists. The collection in the museum continually expands with the addition of art through acquisitions, gifts and bequests.
The Museo del Prado has seen multiple expansions throughout its history. Notably, in 2007, it grew by 50% with the addition of a new wing. Today, over three million people visit the museum each year, drawn by its extensive selection of Spanish and European art. Despite numerous changes and expansions, the Museo del Prado always aims to celebrate Spain's vibrant history and culture through its wide-ranging art collection.
One reason to visit
The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch
You should consider visiting Museo del Prado in Madrid to see The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch. This eye-catching painting, created around 1500, is a very famous artwork in the history of western art. The painting displays a fascinating scene of the biblical Eden with complex and enchanting details. The intriguing use of imagery by Bosch is worth noticing. By visiting Museo del Prado, you can experience this significant painting directly and understand Boschs detail-oriented style and creative genius.
Getting there
Starting from the Madrid Atocha train station, you will go northwest on Paseo de la Infanta Isabel toward Calzada de San Diego. Turn left onto Calzada de San Diego and continue on Plaza Emperador Carlos V. Take the second exit on the roundabout to stay on Plaza Emperador Carlos V and continue onto Paseo del Prado. You will pass by 2 bus stops: Cibeles and Neptune. Keep going straight until you reach the Plaza de Canovas del Castillo. From there, take a right onto Calle de Felipe IV and the museum will be on your left. It's about a 15-minute walk in total.
If you want to get to the Museo del Prado by bike, go along Gran Via until you reach Paseo del Prado. This is a large, tree-lined boulevard and it's very famous in Madrid. Turn left on the boulevard, and you will be on alley of the Prado Museum after the third traffic light. You must find a safe place to lock your bike; you can use bike parking near the museum, which is located at the intersection of Paseo del Prado and Botanic Street. Enjoy your visit!
To get to the Museo del Prado in Madrid by public transport, start by taking the Madrid Metro. The closest station is Atocha station that is on line 1, after exiting the station, you have to walk for about 10 minutes to get to the museum. Alternatively, you can opt for a bus ride. The closest bus stops are Parada Del Prado - Botánico and Parada Del Prado - Villanueva serviced by bus numbers 10, 14, 27, 34, 37, and 45. From these bus stops, the museum is just a short walk away.
If you are planning to visit the Museo del Prado in Madrid by car, it's important to note the museum's physical address, which is Calle de Ruiz de Alarcón 23. Begin your journey by joining the main arterial route, M-30. If you're coming from the north, take exit 8. From the south, use exit 9. Both will lead you towards the city center, 'Centro Ciudad'. Continue on Paseo de la Castellana and get onto Paseo del Prado. The museum will be on your right. There is parking at the museum itself, though slots are limited. Alternatively, there are other parking spaces at Parking Montalbán, a few minutes’ walk from the museum.
