Spain is one of the most culturally rich countries in all of Europe and is particularly renowned for its appreciation for the arts. Therefore, it should be of no surprise that Madrid plays host to one of the most prestigious museums in the world.
The Prado Museum, or the Museo Nacional del Prado as it is known in Spanish, is a must-see for anyone looking to experience one of the most eclectic collections of art ever to be kept under one roof.
What is There to See at the Prado museum?
As the museum is particularly large, there are specific routes designed to accommodate each visitor’s length of stay. Thus, routes have been organised which present fifteen, thirty or fifty works of art. These paths boast some of Europe’s finest masterpieces that include works by Fra Angelico, Tintoretto, Rogier van Weyden, Rubens and Francisco de Goya.
Exhibitions at the Prado Museum
The museum which has recently celebrated its 200th anniversary has a number of exhibitions currently on display including the major exhibition of Goya drawings, "Only My Strength Of Will Remains" which opens from November 20 to December 16, 2020.
The Goya display boasts over 300 of the artists drawings from both the museums own holdings and from private and public collections. The drawings are from every period of the artist's life.
Another current exhibition at the museum which runs until December 16 is by Spanish artist Andrés Rábago García or El Roto which is titled "One Cannot Watch".
There are a number of exhibitions which will run throughout December including one that contains over 100 Spanish drawings from between the 17th and 19th centuries which reflects on the use of drawing books as an essential teaching tool.
You can view the current and future exhibitions via the following official pages.
https://www.museodelprado.es/en/whats-on/exhibitions
https://www.museodelprado.es/en/whats-on/upcoming-exhibitions
Prado Museum Receives Large Art Donation
Serving to highlight this museum’s importance to the art community, in 2013 the Prado Museum received its largest private donation in decades. This donation consists of twelve medieval and renaissance works from Spanish painters including a work titled ‘The Virgin of Tobed’ which featured prominently in a church in northeastern Spain.
The Prado Museum represents a living testament to the wonderful work that Spanish painters have produced over the centuries. For both the seasoned art aficionado and the newcomer to this eclectic field, this venue is not to be missed.
How to Get to the Prado Museum
Once you arrive in Madrid, locating the museum is relatively simple. Aptly set on Madrid’s famous avenue the Paseo del Prado, it is one of the main attractions in the city. As Madrid has many metro lines, this route is generally the easiest for tourists. Simply take the metro to the Banco de Espana station and easily find signs to the museum from there.
Also, there are a number of public buses that also arrive directly at the site. Buses 9, 10, 14, 19, 27 and 45 all cross this route. Should you be travelling by rail, the Atocha station is the nearest and is well within walking distance. Parking is available, however it must be noted that it may be expensive.
How Much Does it Cost?
As would be expected, entrance prices for this museum vary depending on the number of visitors and their age. General entrance fees for individuals will cost €15 or you can purchase a general ticket with guide book of the museum for €24. Reduced prices of €7.50 are available for children and the elderly. Please note that these tickets can be purchased directly via the museum’s website with an additional cost of €0.50
Free Entrance
Note that there are a couple of slots throughout the week where you can get access to the museum for free. These are:-
The Museo del Prado is open from 10 am - 8 pm Monday to Saturday and from 10 am - 7 pm on Sunday’s.
Contact Information
The museum can be contacted by telephone on + 34 91 330 28 00 or via email at museo.nacional@museodelprado.es
The official website for the museum, which can be viewed in English is at https://www.museodelprado.es/en
Feature image by donfalcone from Pixabay
Interior Image: losmininos [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Updated: February 07, 2024 CET