Alongside Spaniards, the Prado Museum in Madrid boasts an impressive amount of crowd-pulling artists, one being Hieronymus Bosch.

King Phillip II got his hands on an outstanding collection of Bosch’s work, that being in all probability the paintings’ the only connection with Spain. Nevertheless, there seems to be something, particularly in Bosch’s depictions of hell, that link his art with the horrifying, dark and inhuman renderings of Spanish art.

If you want to witness these historical paintings, then make sure to visit Museo del Prado while in Madrid. Here’s what to expect when visiting, along with how to get Museo del Prado tickets.

See also: Madrid Landmarks – Which Ones Should you Visit?

What to expect when visiting the Prado Museum in Madrid (Museo del Prado)

The Museo del Prado (or Prado Museum) is a museum and art gallery located in Madrid, the capital of Spain. The Prado Museum is renowned as being the largest art gallery in the world. It also exhibits sculptures, drawings, coins and other works of arts, but it is undoubtedly its large collection of paintings which has given it fame worldwide.

It houses more than 8,600 paintings, of which they exhibit less than 2,000 because of lack of space available. A collection currently comprises around 8,200 drawings, 7,600 paintings, 4,800 prints, and 1,000 sculptures, in addition to a large number of works of art and historic documents. At the present time, the Museum is displaying less than 1,300 works in the main building, while around 3,100 works are on temporary loan to various museums and official institutions.

Many museums throughout the world have less artistic riches in their halls than the Prado Museum has in storage.

History of the Prado Museum

It was built under the command of King Carlos III in the year of 1785. The one responsible for carrying out this magnificent work was the architect Juan de Villanueva. This project was custom-made to order and inclinations of the king and of his cabinet of intellectuals and reviving artists. Has been, is and will be one of the places where you don’t only breathe air but also art in its maximum expression.

It has been considered the richest of the world, possessor of the greatest quantity of works of art by square meter, showing off in its collection almost 8000 paintings of authors of the Renaissance, the Neoclassical period and of the Modern period (between the centuries XVI and XIX).

Great artists gathered at the Prado Museum. They allow you to compliment them, even without the praise these artists will still make great work. In the Prado Museum and all the greatness they could become one. Pillar makes this museum exterior looks elegant. The beauty is full of artistic value is visible when you enter, and the interior of the museum also makes you enjoy the return trip time in the Fernando VII.

Phenomenal paintings in this museum is a wonderful trip in Madrid. If you come to Madrid to take a closer look at the beauty of the work of El Greco, Velazquez, Goya, Peter Paul Rubens, Hieronymus Bosch.

The present day art gallery comes from the royal collections of the old Trinidad Museum, as well as acquisitions, donations and bequests. Its history began during the reign of Charles III, when he tried to create a single art collection under one roof. But it was not until the reign of Fernando VII when the Royal Museum of Painting and Sculpture was created, on 19th November 1819.

The kings death caused inheritance problems and endangered the unity of the collection, but with the disappearance of the monarchy in Spain the museum became national property and became known as the Madrid Prado Museum. From then to this date, the works of art have survived several challenges and were transferred several times during the Spanish Civil War, ending up in the Swiss city of Geneva and being returned to Madrid during the Second World War.

Visiting the Prado Museum

Here are the opening hours of the Prado Museum:

• Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Closed

• January 1st
• May 1st
• December 25th

Free hours

• Monday to Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday and holidays from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Museo del Prado tickets

Make sure to book your Museo del Prado tickets online before you arrive. Entrance tickets cost €18.00 and you can get them here. Search for availability and book below:

If you’d like to do a Prado Museum tour, you can book a tour here.