Prado Museum temporary exhibitions
In addition to its extensive permanent collection of more than 8,000 works on display, the Prado Museum maintains at all times an active programme of temporary exhibitions that makes each visit a new experience. If you already know Las Meninas, The Garden of Earthly Delights and Goya's Black Paintings, there is always something different to discover. This is the guide to understanding how that programme works and how to make the most of it.
What temporary exhibitions are at the Prado
Temporary exhibitions are monographic or thematic shows that the museum presents for a limited period, usually between two and six months. Unlike the permanent collection, which keeps its major works in stable galleries, temporary exhibitions change completely: they bring works from museums around the world, propose new readings of artists already represented in the collection, or shine a light on less well-known aspects of European art from the 12th to the 19th century. Each season the Prado presents several exhibitions running in parallel, of varying scope and format.
The temporary programme is one of the reasons many visitors return to the museum. Those who know the permanent collection well come back when an exhibition of interest expands on what they have already seen. The Prado has a long tradition of major retrospectives and exhibitions that bring masterworks from around the world — works that rarely travel from their home institutions.
Where they are located: the Jerónimos and Villanueva Buildings
The Prado occupies two architectural bodies with complementary functions:
- Villanueva Building: the original neoclassical building, with the permanent collection on its three floors. On the second floor — the uppermost — there are also galleries used for medium-format temporary exhibitions, particularly shows of drawings, prints and photography related to the collection.
- Jerónimos Building: the extension designed by Rafael Moneo, inaugurated in 2007, with its more open and flexible spaces. This is the main venue for the largest temporary exhibitions. Its galleries allow large-scale installations and greater museographic flexibility than the historic galleries of the Villanueva building.
The two buildings are connected by an underground passage and through the Villanueva building galleries, allowing the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions to be integrated into a single continuous circuit.
Are they included in the general admission ticket?
In most cases, yes. The general admission ticket to the Prado (€15 for adults; free for under-18s) gives access to both the permanent collection and the temporary exhibitions currently running in both buildings. There is no additional charge to see what is on that day.
Only exceptionally, for exhibitions of special scale involving extraordinary loans from leading international museums, does the museum charge a separate admission price for the show. When this happens, it is clearly stated on the museum's website, in the exhibition's communications and at the ticket office before you buy your ticket. The norm, however, is that everything is included in the general admission price.
This policy of inclusion in the general admission ticket is one of the features that sets the Prado apart from many other major international museums, where temporary exhibitions frequently carry an additional charge.
How the programme changes throughout the year
The Prado structures its programme in seasons, with major openings that tend to cluster in autumn (September–October) and in spring (February–March). In summer the pace slows, though the museum remains open with its permanent collection and any exhibitions already in progress. Each exhibition has its own duration: major retrospectives or exceptional loans may run for several months; shorter shows may last only a few weeks.
The Prado has a very active loans policy: it both lends works from its collection to museums around the world and receives extraordinary loans. This means that some works from the permanent collection may be temporarily absent when they travel to exhibitions outside the museum; this is always indicated in the gallery with an explanatory panel.
How to check the programme before your visit
- Museum website: the exhibitions section shows all current and upcoming shows with dates, descriptions and their location within the building.
- Social media: the Prado publishes openings and the activities calendar on Instagram and X (Twitter) well in advance.
- Newsletter: the Prado offers free subscription to its activities bulletin, which is the most convenient way to stay informed.
- At the ticket office: on the day of your visit, staff can tell you what is currently on and point you towards the most interesting route for your interests.
Tips for making the most of a temporary exhibition
- Arrive at opening time: temporary exhibitions usually have lower attendance first thing. The most crowded galleries are always the permanent ones (especially room 012 for Las Meninas); the temporaries tend to be quieter.
- Read the catalogue or press release: the museum publishes introductory texts for each exhibition. Reading one page before your visit changes the experience: it provides context without giving away the essentials.
- Audio guides and guided tours: for the most significant exhibitions, the museum usually offers an audio guide or group guided tours. Check when booking your ticket.
- Do not try to see everything in one day: if there is both a permanent collection area and a temporary exhibition that interest you, consider making two separate visits; the second can fall within the free evening slot.
Book your Prado ticket
With the general admission ticket you access the permanent collection and the current temporary exhibitions. Book in advance to avoid ticket-office queues.
See available tickets →⏳ Time-slot places are limited. Lock in your time · free cancellation.
Frequently asked questions
Are the temporary exhibitions included in the ticket?
Yes, in the vast majority of cases. The general admission ticket (€15) gives access to the permanent collection and the building's temporary exhibitions. Only exceptionally do some shows carry their own price, and this is always clearly indicated.
Where are the temporary exhibitions inside the Prado?
Mainly in the galleries of the Jerónimos Building (Moneo's 2007 extension) and on the second floor of the Villanueva Building. The Jerónimos Building, with its more open spaces, hosts the largest-scale shows.
How often do the exhibitions change?
The museum renews its programme several times a year, with major openings in autumn and spring. Each exhibition runs for between two and six months on average. Check the museum's website to see what is currently on.
Content reviewed by the Ticket Visit team · June 2026.
