Prado Museum free entry: hours and how to visit for free in 2026
The Prado Museum offers several ways to access its collection for free or at a reduced rate. By taking advantage of the weekly free time slots, the designated free days throughout the year, or the benefits available to certain groups, it is perfectly possible to see Las Meninas, Goya's Black Paintings and The Garden of Earthly Delights without paying the €15 general admission fee. This guide covers all the options for 2026.
Free time slots: the best moments of the week
The free-admission time slot policy is the most widely used option. The Prado opens without charging admission during the following weekly windows:
| Day | Free slot | Available duration |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 18:00 – 20:00 | 2 hours |
| Tuesday | 18:00 – 20:00 | 2 hours |
| Wednesday | 18:00 – 20:00 | 2 hours |
| Thursday | 18:00 – 20:00 | 2 hours |
| Friday | 18:00 – 20:00 | 2 hours |
| Saturday | 18:00 – 20:00 | 2 hours |
| Sunday & public holidays | 17:00 – 19:00 | 2 hours |
That is two hours of free access — enough to cover the most important rooms if you have a clear plan: head straight to Las Meninas (room 012), The Garden of Earthly Delights (room 056A), and a stop at the Black Paintings. It is not enough to see everything, but it covers the essentials.
Fully free days in 2026
Throughout the year there are dates on which the Prado opens its doors without charging admission for the entire opening day. These are days linked to cultural anniversaries or national holidays:
- 18 April — International Day for Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
- 18 May — International Museum Day (ICOM).
- 12 October — Spain's National Day.
- 9 November — Anniversary of the Prado Museum's inauguration (1819).
- 6 December — Spanish Constitution Day.
These days attract far higher attendance than usual. If you visit on one of these dates, arriving first thing in the morning is strongly recommended. The experience can be very different from a normal-day visit: more people, queues in the star rooms, especially in front of Las Meninas.
Groups with free admission
Regardless of the day or time, the following groups have free access to the permanent collection with the relevant accreditation:
- Under-18s, with no limit on accompanying adults who also qualify.
- People with recognised disabilities and one accompanying person.
- Unemployed persons with a card or document confirming their situation.
- Members of the Armed Forces and State Security Forces with accreditation.
- State school teachers with a teacher identification card.
- Students of Fine Arts, Art History, Architecture and Conservation-Restoration with a university card or accreditation from their institution.
- ICOM members (International Council of Museums).
- Friends of the Prado Museum (annual membership; unlimited free access).
Always carry the documentation that proves eligibility: staff may ask to see it. Exact conditions may vary, so it is advisable to confirm before your visit.
Groups with reduced admission
| Group | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| Young people aged 18–25 (EU citizens and residents) | ~€7.50 (verified Jun 2026) |
| Over-65s | ~€7.50 (verified Jun 2026) |
| Large families with a large-family card | Discount with card |
| Organised groups (20+ people) | Group discount |
Exact reduced prices may vary; check the hours and prices page for up-to-date information.
General museum opening hours in 2026
| Monday to Saturday | 10:00 – 20:00 |
|---|---|
| Sundays & public holidays | 10:00 – 19:00 |
| 6 January, 24 & 31 December | 10:00 – 14:00 |
| Closed days | 1 January, 1 May, 25 December |
| General admission | €15 |
| Address | Paseo del Prado s/n, 28014 Madrid |
Tips for making the most of free entry without queuing
- The weekday evening slot is the least crowded. A Tuesday or Wednesday at 18:00 has far fewer visitors than a Saturday or Sunday. If your schedule allows it, choose a weekday.
- Arrive before the slot opens. For the 18:00 slot, showing up at 17:45 and waiting for opening avoids a long queue. For Sunday, arriving at 16:45 makes a real difference.
- Know your route before you go in. With only two hours, there is no time to wander aimlessly. Decide what you want to see and go straight there. The museum floor plan is available at the entrance.
- The fully free days attract three times more visitors. If you can choose, a regular weekly free slot is better than one of these special dates.
- In summer, free slots also fill up. Madrid receives millions of tourists in July and August; the 18:00 slot in summer can have notable queues even on weekdays.
- If you prefer comfort, book in advance. Paying the €15 general admission ticket and booking a specific time slot guarantees access without queuing and more space in the galleries.
Guided tour: the complete experience
If you want to see Las Meninas, Goya's Black Paintings and The Garden of Earthly Delights with context and without wasting time, a guided tour is the best option. Includes admission and priority access.
See Prado guided tours →⏳ Time-slot places are limited. Lock in your time · free cancellation.
Is it worth visiting the Prado for free?
The answer is yes, with caveats. The two-hour free slot is enough to see the most important works if you go in with a plan. It is not the ideal visit for someone who wants to explore the entire collection at leisure — that requires more time and a paid ticket — but it is an excellent way to experience the museum for the first time, to see Las Meninas again, or to spend a cultural afternoon at no cost.
For Madrid residents in the habit of visiting museums, the free slots are also an opportunity to keep up with the temporary exhibitions, which at the Prado tend to be of very high quality and change every few months.
Free entry: how to make the most of it
We have queued for the free slot more than once. If you are going to use it, these tips will save you time and frustration.
- Arrive 15–20 minutes before it starts. The free slot (6–8 pm; Sundays and holidays 5–7 pm) builds a queue the moment it opens; being among the first makes all the difference.
- Bring proof if you qualify for free entry. Students, minors, seniors or other groups: keep your card or document handy so you don't lose your place at the check.
- Go in with a plan of what to see. Two hours fly by: prioritise Las Meninas, Goya's Black Paintings and The Garden of Earthly Delights before wandering the rooms.
- On the free days of the year, it is at its busiest. On 18 Apr, 18 May, 12 Oct, 9 Nov and 6 Dec the museum fills up; for a calmer visit, choose a timed ticket on another day.
Travellers who book, visit and double-check every detail against official sources. Last reviewed: June 2026. Been to the Prado? Tell us about your visit →
Frequently asked questions about free entry
When is the Prado free?
Monday to Saturday from 18:00 to 20:00; Sundays and public holidays from 17:00 to 19:00. Fully free all day on 18 April, 18 May, 12 October, 9 November and 6 December.
Do you need to book for free entry?
It is recommended to collect a ticket (online or at the ticket office) before entering, especially on fully free days. During the regular weekly slots it is usually not compulsory, though in summer there may be queues.
Which days is the Prado closed?
1 January, 1 May and 25 December. On 6 January and on 24 and 31 December, hours are reduced (10:00–14:00).
How much is a ticket in 2026?
€15 for general admission, both at the ticket office and online. Reductions and free access are available for the groups listed in this guide.
Do under-18s get in free?
Yes, always and at any time, with documentation that proves age.
What time do the doors open for the free evening slot?
At exactly 18:00 (17:00 on Sundays and public holidays). It is worth arriving a few minutes early to avoid a long queue.
Do students get in free or pay a reduced rate?
It depends: under-18s always get in free. Students aged 18 to 25 may get free or reduced admission depending on the card (ISIC, Fine Arts students, etc.). The Carné Joven (Youth Card) gives 50% off. Bring your proof of eligibility.
Is there a long queue during the free slot?
Yes, during the free slot (18:00-20:00 and Sundays 17:00-19:00) and on the year's free days, long queues form. If you want to get in without waiting during that slot, a skip-the-line ticket with a booked time gives you priority access.
Content reviewed by the Ticket Visit team · June 2026.
