Madrid - Prado Museum Museo del Prado

 
No other museum offers such an outstanding overview of Spanish painting from the 12th to the early 19th C. as the Prado and a visit to the museum is undoubtedly one of the high points of a stay in Madrid.

The Prado has its origins in a royal collection which was accumulated by the Habsburgs (especially Charles V, Philip II and Philip IV) and the Bourbons (Philip V, Charles III and Charles IV). During the reign of Charles III plans were conceived for the building which now houses the most famous art gallery in the country.

Must-see attractions nearby:
Under the scheme to create a "Salón del Prado", Juan de Villanueva was entrusted with the task of building a museum which was originally intended to be devoted to natural history. In 1819 under Ferdinand VII it was opened as a "Museum for the Royal Collection of Paintings".

The Prado contains over 5,000 paintings, of which some 2,300 are on display to the public in 120 rooms, arranged over three storys.
Things to See

Read More 11th-17th C. Paintings

Read More 19th C. Spanish Painters

Read More Early Dutch and Flemish Paintings; Durer

Read More Goya Drawings

Read More Italian Paintings

Read More Rubens and his School

Read More Spanish Paintings

Address: Prado Museum, Paseo del Pardo, E-28014 Madrid, Spain
Hours:
January 1 to December 24: 9am-7pm; Sun: 9am-2pm; Closed: Mon
December 24 to December 31: 9am-4pm; Closed: Mon, Mon
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), All Saints' Day - Christian (November 1), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Good Friday - Christian
Tips: Conducted tours: in English, French and Spanish.
Discount: Sunday, Saturday
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides: Guided tour available as optional extra.
Facilities: Gift shop, Restaurant or food service
Transit: Bus: 9, 10, 14, 19, 27, 34, 37, 45

More Madrid AttractionsView All

More Spain Resources
A statue in front of the Prado Museum in Madrid.A statue in front of the Prado Museum in Madrid.
A portion of the Museo del Prado in Madrid.A portion of the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
Suggest Correction  Suggest an Attraction
©Copyright 1995-2012 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved.
Unauthorized duplication in part or whole without prior written consent prohibited by international laws.
x
Pictures of Madrid
A modern building in Madrid. Be sure to check out our awesome photos of Madrid!