One of the greatest museums in the world, El Prado in Madrid houses one of the most impressive collections of European art on the planet. As renowned as the Louve in Paris, the British Museum in London and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, this must-see collection of masterworks is surely at the top of any list of attractions to see while visiting the Spanish capital.
The Museo del Prado is the most famous art museum in Spain, 
and certainly the biggest! Located in central Madrid, the magnificent neo-classical building features collections dating from the 12th century to the early 19th century. Purpose-built as a museum of painting and sculpture during the reign of Charles III (Carlos III) and completed in 1819, El Prado exhibits Christian altar paintings, Dutch landscapes, works by Francisco de Goya, as well as Diego Velázquez, El Greco, Titian, Carrivagio, Peter Paul Rubens and the incomprable Hieronymus Bosch (known as El Bosco in Spanish!).
The collection is comprised of an astounding 7,600 paintings, 
1,000 sculptures, 4,800 prints and 8,200 drawings, in addition to a large number of curios and historic documents. El Prado displays 1300 works in the main building and an additional 3,100 works are on temporary loan to various museums and official institutions. El Prado is one of the most visited sites in the world, receiving around 3 million visitors a year, so it’s vital to reserve timed-entrance tickets in advance, and very helpful to have a guide who can most easily show off the highlights.
The best-known work on display at the museum is Las Meninas 
by Velázquez but also on display are the famed Descent from the Cross by Rogier van der Weyden and the apocalyptic Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymous Bosch. For fans of El Greco, his most famous work, Knight with his Hand on His Breast, is here on permanent exhibition, as is The Holy Family by the Renaissance master Raphael, Charles V at Mülhberg by Titian, Christ Washing the Disciples’ Feet by Tintoretto, Albrecht Dürer’s self-portrait and The Three Graces by Peter Paul Rubens, Some other famous works at the museum are the royal portrait, The Family of Charles IV by Goya and his controversial painting, The Third of May 1808. Don’t miss David with the Head of Goliath by Caravaggio to see the finest example of his mastery of light and dark.
There is truly an overwhelming array of world-famous paintings at El Prado so it certainly helps to have an experienced guide to 
lead groups to the most interesting pieces as well as explain their artistic and historical significance. As you can see Museo Del Prado provides a once-in-a-lifetime chance to view some of the world’s greatest cultural and artistic landmarks in one place. It is recommended to take your time throughout the stupendous galleries. Visiting El Prado is an all-day affair, at least! There are excellent dining options near the Prado itself so you can absorb not only all the phenomenal artworks, but some gourmet Spanish cuisine as well! Red Mago can arrange lunch reservations for your group as well as private transport options to suit your needs and ensure that your day is relaxed yet inspiring!
After a full day make sure to walk along Paseo del Prado, a pedestrian walkway full of fountains and trees near the museum and a traditional leisure spot in Madrid for 200 years! Whether you’ve come to Madrid for business or for pleasure, a visit to the world famous El Prado museum is sure to recharge your creative energy and illuminate your senses. Contact one of our representatives and let us arrange a flawless visit for your group. Make your visit to Madrid spectacular!
