Look out for Titian's 1548 'Charles V at the Battle of Mühlberg' - the king is wearing the same armour you can see in person at the Armoury of the Royal Palace on the other side of the city.
The Museo del Prado is at the centre of Madrid, and features one of the world's finest collections of European art. Expanded from the former Spanish Royal collection, it now comprises around 7,600 paintings, 1,000 sculptures, 4,800 prints and 8,200 drawings, as well as many other works of art and historic documents. Around 1,300 artworks are on display in the main buildings: the crowning glory of the collection is Las Meninas by Velázquez, one of the most acclaimed masterpieces in all art history.
'Prado' comes from the meadow which gave its name to the area, and later to the museum after nationalisation: the grand main building opened in 1819 as the Royal Museum of Paintings and Sculptures. Today, other parts of the collection are also held in the Casón del Buen Retiro and the church of San Jerónimo el Real.
The artistic heritage of Spain is best represented, but there's no shortage of brilliant stuff by Italian and Dutch artists either: highlights include some of the greatest works by Fra Angelico, Goya, Rubens, Titian, Dürer, Raphael, Hieronymus Bosch and Tintoretto.
There's so much to see here that it can feel overwhelming. Luckily, the museum has devised three suggested routes - covering 15, 30 and 50 works in one hour, two hours, or three hours respectively - which cover the key works, and are a great option if you're short of time. Otherwise, take a whole day to drink in the delights.
Marvel at world-class art in two of the finest museums of Spain: the Prado, and Reina Sofia. In this comprehensive, four-hour tour, you will feel immersed in the lives of some of the most influential European artists of the Renaissance, Baroque, and Modern Art movements.
On your private tour, you will:
You will begin your artist tour at the Spanish national art museum: the Prado Museum. Founded in 1819, it is well worth a visit just for its stunning neoclassical architecture, let alone its impressive collection of some 8,000 paintings and many beautiful sculptures, drawings and prints. Here, your expert guide will endeavour to shed some light on the major art movements you will see in the museum, including the Renaissance and Baroque.
You will also learn about the social and cultural background of some of the most iconic paintings housed in the museum, such as the Spanish masterpiece Las Meninas by Velazquez; Artwork by Fran Angelico, the gifted creator of The Annunciation; Christ Washing the Disciple’s feet by Tintoretto, and masterpieces by the Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch.
After a coffee break, you will move on to the Reina Sofia Museum, hosting some of the greatest Spanish artists of all time. Here your guide will walk you through artwork such as Picasso’s Guernica, a sensational political stand on the Spanish Civil War; a fantastic collection from Dalí, as well as a section fully dedicated to Joan Miró.
Since this is a private tour, you will be able to ask your expert guide to focus on subjects that interest you. If you are a Baroque enthusiast or want a broader taste of European art, this tour will give you a great introduction to the subject.
Your newfound knowledge may even impress your friends and family back home!
Explore the highlights of Madrid, Spain’s historic, vibrant and beautiful capital city on this half-day private walking tour, including entrance to the iconic Prado Museum.
On your private tour, you will:
Madrid, Spain's stunning capital, is a vibrant city famous for its elegant boulevards and vast, dazzling Plazas like the portico-lined Plaza Mayor, in the heart of old Hapsburg Madrid. You’ll see vibrant food markets, awe-inspiring cathedrals, and statues of famous Spaniards.
The city is also very green with expansive, manicured parks such as the Parque el Retiro, where you will enjoy a stroll along as you bask in the sunny Spanish climate under fabulous blue skies!
Spain has one of the oldest and proudest royal families in Europe, and it remains a working monarchy to this day. Learn all about the history of the Spanish royals, like Ferdinand and Isabella, Philip II and many others, whilst standing in front of the magnificent Royal Palace.
The city is also famous for being a cultural hub and is home to several museums – the most famous of which is of course the Prado, and your half-day highlights tour includes a fully guided tour of this repository of the best of Spanish art. Admire works by Goya and Velazquez, Bosch and El Greco among others – and let your guide know if you have any favourites or “must-sees”.
You will end your tour inside the Prado to continue exploring at your leisure, explore the gift shop and enjoy a well-earned coffee break at the café.
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:
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.
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