The Prado museum houses one of the finest collections of classical art in the world. It was first established in 1819 as the Royal Academy of Fine Arts by King Ferdinand VII and his second wife, María Isabel de Braganza, who is considered the founder of the museum. It was nationalized in 1868, and the name was changed to Museo Nacional del Prado.

The museum’s collections, including 8,600 paintings are so large only about one-seventh can be put on display at one time. The collections include the works of great Flemish, Dutch, French, Italian, German and of course Spanish masters.

One of the most famous paintings in the museum is the Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymous Bosch, one of many works “acquired” by Spain during it’s rule of the low countries.

Plan on spending at least one day visiting these masterpieces.

More info:
Museo Nacional del Prado
Paseo del Prado s/n. 28014 Madrid
Administrative offices
Ruiz de Alarcón 23. 28014 Madrid
Tel.: 00 34 91 330 28 00
Fax: 00 34 91 330 28 56
website: www.museoprado.es
email: museo.nacional@prado.mcu.es

Opening Hours: From 9am to 7pm, Tuesdays to Sundays and public holidays. (closed on Mondays). Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. Galleries emptied 10 minutes before closing time.

Admission: 6 Euros, 3 Euros reduced rate.
Free entry days:
Sundays (9am to 7pm)
12 October (Hispanidad Day)
6 December (Constitution Day)
2 May (Official Day, Region of Madrid)
18 May (International Museums Day)