Looking for Prado Museum free and want a clear (and up-to-date) guide to make the most of it? Here you’ll find all the practical information: time slots and free opening hours at the Prado Museum, free days, who can get free entry, how to prove your eligibility, quick routes to see the essentials in 2 hours, and tips to avoid queues.
Plus, if you prefer to have everything organized (or combine it with other museums and shows), you can check and book ticket, pass and guided tour options in Madrid here:
Prado Museum
The Museo Nacional del Prado is Spain’s great art gallery and an essential visit in Madrid. Its collection brings together masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, Bosch, Rubens, Titian and El Greco. The general opening hours are 10:00–20:00* from Monday to Saturday and 10:00–19:00* on Sundays and public holidays, with the museum closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December*; on 6 January, 24 and 31 December it opens with reduced hours 10:00–14:00*. Last admission is 30 min before closing and the clearing of the rooms begins 10 min before.
Prado Museum free hours
On regular days, the Prado Museum is free during these time slots:
- Monday to Saturday: 18:00–20:00*
- Sundays and public holidays: 17:00–19:00*
During these free hours at the Prado Museum, free access applies to the collection; temporary exhibitions have a 50% discount in that time slot.
Tip: Arrive 30–45 min before the start of the free time slot to minimise the queue at the entrance; it’s the busiest time.
Prado Museum free hours
| Day | Free time slot | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mon–Sat | 18:00–20:00* | Free access to the collection; 50% off temporary exhibitions* |
| Sundays and public holidays | 17:00–19:00* | Last admission 30 min before closing* |
Prado Museum free days
In addition to the daily free time slots, there are days with free entry to the Prado Museum all day long:
- 18 May (International Museum Day): free all day.
- 19 November (Prado anniversary): free all day (it usually allows you to get tickets at the ticket office on that day).
Who gets free entry to the Prado Museum
Besides the free time slots, you can enter the Prado Museum for free at any time if you meet any of these conditions (with valid proof):
- Visitors under 18
- Students aged 18 to 25
- Students over 25 enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in arts-related fields in the Spanish education system
- People with a disability rating ≥33%
- People in a legal situation of unemployment
- Teaching staff in active service
- Large families (a group of at least one adult and three descendants, or two if one has a disability)
The museum details these free-entry conditions on its “Opening hours and prices / Free admission” page. Always bring a valid official document (ID card, passport, student card, disability certificate, unemployment proof, large family card, etc.).
Tip: If you are entitled to free entry due to your status, the beneficiary must show proof at the ticket office on the day of the visit (except where a specific accessibility arrangement applies).
Free entry by eligibility
| Group | Requirement / Document | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | ID card / passport | Free access all year* |
| Students 18–25 | Student card | Valid all year* |
| Students >25 (Art) | Official enrolment (Art undergraduate/postgraduate) | Spanish education system* |
| Disability ≥33% | Certificate | Priority access via Jerónimos entrance* |
| Unemployed | Current proof | Free ticket issued at the ticket office* |
| Teachers in active service | Proof of status | Free ticket issued at the ticket office* |
| Large family | Official card | Check group conditions* |
How to get into the Prado Museum for free (step by step)
- Choose your time slot: 18:00–20:00* (Mon–Sat) or 17:00–19:00* (Sun/public holidays). The collection is free; temporary exhibitions have 50% discount.
- Arrive in advance: queue at the indicated entrance (see below) 30–45 min beforehand so you can enter at the start of the free slot.
- Show proof of your free admission (if it applies to you due to your status) at the ticket office on the same day. If you don’t have any free-eligibility condition, you don’t need a “booking” for the free slot: just turn up at the entrance.
- Capacity control: if the museum is full, they may temporarily close entry.
- Last admission: remember the museum doesn’t allow entry in the last 30 min and starts clearing the rooms 10 min before closing.
Paid vs free tickets: when is it worth paying?
Paying may be worth it if you want to enter first thing in the morning, spend more time inside or include temporary exhibitions without capacity restrictions. If you prefer not to worry about it, you can compare tickets, passes and guided tours here:
What to see in 2 hours (express route for the free time slot)
- Velázquez: Las Meninas
- Bosch: The Garden of Earthly Delights
- Goya: The Nude Maja and The Clothed Maja
- Rubens: The Three Graces
- Titian: Charles V at Mühlberg
- Fra Angelico: The Annunciation
- Rogier van der Weyden: The Descent from the Cross
Tip: Go in and head straight for your must‑see works (avoid getting lost in intermediate rooms) and leave a final 10 minutes for the Central Gallery, which is impressive in its scale.
Useful rules (photos and cloakroom)
- Photography and video are not allowed in the galleries. The Prado mentions this in its visiting recommendations.
Regarding this policy, director Miguel Falomir has said: “The decision [to ban photographs] is based on criteria of guaranteeing the quality of the visit and we are not motivated by any intention to sell more.”
How to get there
Address: Paseo del Prado s/n, 28014 Madrid. Main entrances: Goya Gate, Jerónimos Gate and Murillo Gate (check the signage on site).
- Metro: Line 1 (Estación del Arte) and Line 2 (Banco de España).
- Nearby EMT buses: 001, 10, 14, 27, 34, 37, 45, C03; stops Museo del Prado‑Jardín Botánico, Prado‑Atocha, Cibeles, Alfonso XII‑Jardín Botánico.
- Commuter rail (Cercanías): Recoletos and Atocha.
- BiciMAD (nearby stations): Espalter 1, Jesús 1, Almadén 28.
- View map
Tip: If you are travelling with reduced mobility, the Jerónimos entrance (c/ Felipe IV s/n) offers priority access. You can coordinate via accesibilidad@museodelprado.es if you need ticket arrangements due to disability (≥33%).
Tips to save time and enjoy more
- Travel light: large backpacks must go to the cloakroom (limited capacity).
- Prioritise rooms: pick 8–10 works and don’t deviate from your route to make the most of the free slot.
- Avoid peak times: if crowds aren’t your thing, go in around 18:30–19:00* (Mon–Sat) or 17:30–18:00* (Sun/public holidays).
- Combine museums: pair your Prado afternoon with the Reina Sofía on another day (it also has a free time slot) or with a guided tour to better understand the works.
Reina Sofía Museum
15–20 minutes’ walk from the Prado, the Reina Sofía Museum (home to Guernica) also offers free time slots: Mondays and Wednesday to Saturday 19:00–21:00*; Sundays 12:30–14:30*; plus some special dates.
If you’d like to combine classical and contemporary art, you can see options here: tickets and tours in Madrid – Guruwalk (“Reina Sofía Museum: Ticket + Audioguide” and the “2 in 1 Prado + Reina Sofía” package).
If you want to know how to visit more free museums in Madrid, check our updated guide.
Key Questions about Getting into the Prado Museum for Free
Which day is the Prado Museum free?
Every day has free hours (Mon–Sat 18:00–20:00*; Sun/public holidays 17:00–19:00*). In addition, 18 May and 19 November are usually free all day.
Can I enter for free without booking?
Yes. During the free hours you just need to show up at the entrance. If your free admission is due to your status (e.g. student), show proof at the ticket office on the same day.
Are temporary exhibitions included?
During the free time slot: collection free; temporary exhibitions at 50%. On full free days, the museum has opened collection and temporary exhibitions in recent years (depending on the programme).
What time is the Prado Museum free on Sundays?
17:00–19:00* (last admission 18:30*).
How do I get in for free with a disability or large family card?
Show your ≥33% disability certificate or large family card (conditions depending on the group) at the ticket office. For specific needs, email accesibilidad@museodelprado.es.
Can you take photos?
No, they are prohibited in the galleries; it’s a measure to improve the visiting experience.
What is the general ticket price?
€15* (reduced €7.50*). If you’d prefer a guide, compare options on the Guruwalk page linked above.
Note on prices and opening hours
Prices and opening hours marked with an asterisk may change without prior notice. Check the official website before your visit. The last admission is 30 minutes* before closing and the clearing of the rooms begins 10 minutes* beforehand. The free time slot includes the collection; temporary exhibitions may have a 50% discount, except on special days with total free access.*
