Prado opening hours
The Prado is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00, and on Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 19:00. It has no regular weekly closing day, so Monday is a normal opening day. A public holiday can change the usual Saturday hours.
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing, and visitors are asked to start leaving about 10 minutes before closing. Free entry in the final two hours is the biggest question for most visitors, and it comes with conditions. Times can change, so check the current timetable before you go.
Hours and free entry at a glance
Normal operation, 2026.
| Day | Opening hours | Free entry |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday | 10:00–20:00 | 18:00–20:00 |
| Sundays and public holidays | 10:00–19:00 | 17:00–19:00 |
| 6 January, 24 and 31 December | 10:00–14:00 | Unclear, see below |
| 1 January, 1 May, 25 December | Closed | – |
Free entry applies to the collection and depends on capacity. When the museum is crowded, entry in the free window is not guaranteed. Special exhibitions are not free in this window and carry a 50% discount instead.
Prado tours and skip-the-line tickets
Timed tickets and guided visits that fit around the Prado's opening hours, with live prices and availability.
Using the free hours sensibly
The free window is short, so it helps to do the arithmetic.
The window is shorter than it looks
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing, which is 19:30 on a normal weekday. Clearing starts about 10 minutes before closing. Someone who walks in at 19:30 therefore has around 20 minutes. If you want a proper visit in the free hours, arrive at 18:00.
Sundays and public holidays
The museum closes an hour earlier on these days, and the free window starts at 17:00. Last admission is 18:30. To use both free hours, be at the door at 17:00.
Expect capacity limits
The free hours are subject to capacity. At busy times the museum can stop admitting people, and there is no guarantee you will be let in. If a visit matters to you, a paid ticket with a time slot is the safer choice.
Ticket prices →Shortened days
On 6 January, 24 December and 31 December the museum closes at 14:00. Sources disagree about whether a free final phase exists on these days, so do not plan around one. Check the timetable for the date.
Special free days
An older price regulation lists 19 November (the museum's birthday), International Museum Day and 12 October as free all day. For the 12 October holiday in 2026, a report mentioned only the usual window from 17:00 to 19:00. Check the current timetable for each of these dates.
Closed rooms
The visitor rules allow rooms to close temporarily, without a discount or refund. Opening hours alone do not promise that every painting is on view.
Famous paintings →Hours of the neighbouring museums
The Reina Sofía and the Thyssen follow different timetables.
| Museum | Opening hours | Free times |
|---|---|---|
| Reina Sofía | Monday, Wednesday to Saturday 10:00–21:00; Sunday 10:00–14:30; closed on Tuesday | 19:00–21:00 on long days, Sunday 12:30–14:30; a ticket is still required |
| Thyssen, 1 September to 30 June | Monday 12:00–16:00; Tuesday to Friday and Sunday 10:00–19:00; Saturday 10:00–23:00 | Monday 12:00–16:00 for the collection; Saturday 21:00–23:00 for special exhibitions on the ground and lower floors |
| Thyssen, 1 July to 31 August | Monday 12:00–16:00; Tuesday to Friday 10:00–21:00; Saturday 10:00–23:00; Sunday 10:00–19:00 | As above |
The Reina Sofía closes on 1 and 6 January, 1 May, 15 May, 9 November, and on 24, 25 and 31 December, and it notes that local holidays in May and November can change. The Thyssen closes on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December, and closes at 15:00 on 24 and 31 December. On Saturdays the Thyssen ticket office stops selling at 20:30, although the museum stays open later.
Prado hours: frequently asked questions
What time does the Prado open and close?
It opens at 10:00. It closes at 20:00 from Monday to Saturday and at 19:00 on Sundays and public holidays. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
Is the Prado closed on Mondays?
No. There is no regular weekly closing day. The museum is closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
When is entry to the Prado free?
From 18:00 to 20:00 Monday to Saturday and from 17:00 to 19:00 on Sundays and public holidays, for the collection and subject to capacity. Special exhibitions cost half price in that window.
Do I need a ticket in the free hours?
The free window covers the collection and depends on capacity, so entry is not guaranteed when it is busy. The conditions at the door are set by the museum, so check the current timetable. For a visit you can plan around, buy a ticket with a time slot instead.
Are the hours different on 24 and 31 December?
Yes. On 24 December, 31 December and 6 January the museum is open from 10:00 to 14:00 only.
Which museum is free on Monday?
The Thyssen opens its collection free on Monday from 12:00 to 16:00. The Prado is open on Mondays at its normal hours, and the Reina Sofía is open on Monday but closed on Tuesday.