The Prado Museum (Museo del Prado) is one of the world's most prestigious art museums. Located in Madrid's cultural epicentre along the eponymous Paseo del Prado, this iconic institution is a treasure trove of European art and a must-visit for anyone exploring Spain’s capital. With thousands of pieces spanning from the 12th to the early 20th century, navigating the incredible collection can be overwhelming. On our 1.5-hour private tour, your professional guide will take you through a carefully curated selection of Prado’s iconic works, ensuring you make the most of your time in the museum.
On your private tour, you will:
- Explore the Prado Museum with tickets included;
- Enjoy the undivided attention of your expert private guide;
- See a carefully curated selection of the museum’s most important works;
- Learn the fascinating history behind the Prado's masterpieces;
- Marvel at prominent portraits by Spanish Masters like Goya and Velazquez;
- Admire remarkable Renaissance paintings by Titian and El Greco;
- Get a closer look at the intricate details of works by Flemish Masters like Rubens and Hieronymous Bosch;
- Find out more about the architecture and origins of the building itself;
Having formed an integral part of Madrid’s cultural heritage for over 200 years, the Prado is more than just an art museum. Its vast collection not only showcases artistic brilliance, but also offers insight into the politics, religion, and societal shifts that shaped Europe over centuries. With tickets included and the exclusive attention of your expert guide, this tour promises a personalized and enriching exploration of the museum’s extraordinary collection.
Your journey begins outside the museum itself, where you will get acquainted with your local guide and get an introduction to the Prado’s magnificent architecture and fascinating origins. As you admire the neoclassical building designed by celebrated Spanish architect Juan de Villanueva, you will learn how it evolved from the site of the Natural History Cabinet to a premier art museum, housing over 200 years of history and priceless works of art. Then it’s time to step inside the museum to uncover a carefully curated selection of its most important pieces, chosen by your expert guide to ensure a comprehensive and insightful visit. As you stroll through the elegant galleries, you will delve into the stories behind the masterpieces, the lives of the artists, and the cultural moments they depict.
While the tour's exact itinerary may vary according to your preferences, you’ll be sure to see plenty of works by Spanish Masters, since the museum contains the most extensive collection of Spanish art in the world. Key components of this collection include Diego Velazquez, whose groundbreaking painting Las Meninas captivates viewers with its complexity, use of perspective, and intriguing layers of meaning. The work of Goya is also abundant in the museum, from his prestigious royal portraits to his vivid depictions of important 18th-century battles and haunting black paintings.
The Prado Museum also houses a significant collection of Dutch and Flemish art primarily because of the historical and political ties between Spain and the Low Countries (modern-day Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg) during the 16th and 17th centuries. As a result, you will have the opportunity to see impressive works by Rubens and marvel at the surreal and intricate imagery of Hieronymus Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights, a mesmerizing triptych that is undoubtedly one of the museum’s most extraordinary paintings.
As part of your journey through the Prado Museum, you may also find yourself contemplating some of the stunning examples of the art of the Italian Renaissance as your guide reveals hidden details of works by artists such as Titian and Tintoretto, and compares and contrasts the work of artists who were inspired by them, like El Greco. All the while, you will learn how these artists influenced Spanish royal collections and left an indelible mark on European art.
At the end of your tour, you are free to stay in the museum if you wish and your guide can direct you towards other amazing pieces tailored to your particular interests. You will leave the Prado enriched with a deeper knowledge and appreciation of one of Madrid’s most esteemed landmarks.