Prado Museum Hours and Prices 2026
The Prado has generous opening hours with free admission every evening. Here is all the up-to-date information you need to plan your visit without any surprises.
Prado Museum Opening Hours
| Day | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 – 20:00 | Free 18:00–20:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 – 20:00 | Free 18:00–20:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 – 20:00 | Free 18:00–20:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 – 20:00 | Free 18:00–20:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 – 20:00 | Free 18:00–20:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 – 20:00 | Free 18:00–20:00 |
| Sunday & public holidays | 10:00 – 19:00 | Free 17:00–19:00 |
| 6 Jan, 24 & 31 Dec | 10:00 – 14:00 | Reduced hours |
| 1 Jan, 1 May, 25 Dec | CLOSED | Annual closure days |
Important: the museum is closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. On 6 January, 24 and 31 December the hours are reduced (10:00–14:00). Check the calendar before your visit.
Admission Prices 2026
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| General admission | €15 |
| Skip-the-line ticket (Civitatis) | from €18 |
| Guided tour with skip-the-line ticket | from €43.50 |
| Reduced admission | Check at the ticket office (unemployed, large families, etc.) |
| Under 18s | Free |
| People with a disability ≥ 33% | Free |
| Evening hours (see table) | Free |
The general admission price is the same online and at the ticket office: €15. The advantage of buying online is skipping the queue at the ticket office and securing access on busy days. Civitatis tickets include a booking fee but allow priority skip-the-line access.
Free Admission Days in 2026
In addition to free evening access, the Prado Museum offers free entry on the following days each year:
- 18 April — International Day for Monuments and Sites
- 18 May — International Museum Day
- 12 October — Spain's National Day
- 9 November — Prado Museum Anniversary (founded in 1819)
- 6 December — Constitution Day
Book your skip-the-line ticket
Buying online guarantees direct entry without waiting at the ticket office, especially in summer and at weekends. Free cancellation.
See available tickets →⏳ Time-slot places are limited. Lock in your time · free cancellation.
Tips on timing your visit
- Avoid midday in summer and weekend mornings: these are the busiest times in the Las Meninas and Goya rooms.
- If you plan to use free evening admission, arrive a little before 18:00 to queue before the free slot opens.
- Sunday closing is at 19:00: one hour earlier than weekdays. Arrive before 17:00 to explore the collection at a relaxed pace.
- Unlike the Reina Sofía, the Prado does not close on any weekday (except the stated public holidays): a helpful advantage when planning your visit.
Frequently asked questions about hours and prices
What are the Prado Museum opening hours?
Monday to Saturday 10:00–20:00. Sundays and public holidays 10:00–19:00. On 6 January, 24 and 31 December 10:00–14:00.
How much does admission to the Prado cost?
General admission costs €15, both at the ticket office and online. Skip-the-line tickets from Civitatis start from €18 and include priority access. See free entry.
When is the Prado Museum free?
Free Monday to Saturday 18:00–20:00 and Sundays and public holidays 17:00–19:00. Also on 18 April, 18 May, 12 October, 9 November and 6 December.
Is the Prado open in August?
Yes. The Prado is open all year on its usual schedule, including August: Monday to Saturday 10:00–20:00 and Sundays and public holidays 10:00–19:00. It only closes on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
What are the hours on 24 and 31 December and 6 January?
On those three days the Prado opens with reduced hours, 10:00–14:00. It is fully closed on 25 December and 1 January. Other public holidays open 10:00–19:00, with free access 17:00–19:00.
What discount does the Carné Joven (Youth Card) give?
The Carné Joven (Youth Card) gives a 50% discount: the €15 standard ticket comes to about €7.50 when bought at the ticket office with the card. It is not free; if you want free admission there are the evening slots (Mon–Sat 18:00–20:00, Sun/holidays 17:00–19:00).
Content reviewed by the Ticket Visit team · June 2026.
