Prado or Reina Sofía: which museum to choose
No. Picasso's Guernica is not at the Prado but at the Reina Sofía Museum, about a 10-minute walk down the Paseo del Prado. The Prado holds painting up to the 19th century (Velázquez, Goya, Bosch); 20th-century art, including Picasso, is at the Reina Sofía.
Where is the Guernica?
It's the most frequent question: Pablo Picasso's Guernica is at the Reina Sofía Museum, not the Prado. The canvas, painted in 1937, has a room of its own at the Reina Sofía, next to Atocha station, about a 10-minute walk from the Prado heading down the Paseo del Prado. At the Prado you'll find painting up to the 19th century; 20th-century art, including Picasso, lives at the Reina Sofía.
Comparison: Prado vs Reina Sofía
| Prado Museum | Reina Sofía Museum | |
|---|---|---|
| Period | Up to the 19th century | 20th century and contemporary art |
| Key works | Las Meninas, Goya, Bosch, Rubens, Titian | Picasso's Guernica, Dalí, Miró |
| Style | European classical painting | Avant-garde and modern art |
| Location | Paseo del Prado | Next to Atocha (~10 min walk) |
| Ideal if you like | Velázquez and Goya | Picasso and 20th-century art |
Last updated: June 2026. Each museum's hours and prices may change; confirm them before your visit.
Which museum to choose
If you're drawn to great classical painting—Velázquez, Goya, Bosch, Rubens, Titian—the Prado is your museum. If you prefer modern art and the avant-garde—Picasso, Dalí, Miró and the Guernica—go to the Reina Sofía. And if you have time, you don't have to choose: they are so close that many visitors see both on the same day.
Combining the two museums
The most complete option is to combine them. You can do it on your own or with a guided tour of the Prado and the Reina Sofía, which covers the essentials of both in a single day. And if you want to add the Thyssen too, the Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) card gives access to all three great Madrid museums. If you're going to focus only on the Guernica museum, you can find more information on our sister site Reina Sofía tickets.
See both museums in a day
Velázquez and Goya at the Prado, Picasso and the Guernica at the Reina Sofía. Combo with skip-the-line access.
Book Prado + Reina Sofía →⏳ Time-slot places are limited. Lock in your time · free cancellation.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Guernica at the Prado?
No, it's at the Reina Sofía Museum, about a 10-minute walk from the Prado. The Prado displays painting up to the 19th century.
Which museum should I choose?
The Prado for classical painting (Velázquez, Goya, Bosch); the Reina Sofía for 20th-century art (Picasso, Dalí, Miró).
Can I see both on the same day?
Yes, they're about a 10-minute walk apart. There are combined tickets and the Paseo del Arte card, which adds the Thyssen.
Where is the Reina Sofía?
Next to Atocha station, at the end of the Paseo del Prado, about a 10-minute walk from the Prado.
