As one of the major art capitals of the world, a visit to Madrid is not complete without an exploration of the city’s prominent art collections. From world-famous depictions of the Spanish Golden Age by artists such as Vélazquez and El Greco to the celebrated works of surrealist painters Dalí, Picasso and Miró, Madrid is a true art lover’s paradise.
Whether you seek to admire the detailed works of classic Spanish painters or decipher the meaning behind abstract paintings and sculptures, your go-to destination in Madrid will be the Paseo del Prado. The Paseo del Prado, the oldest historical boulevard in Madrid, connects the city’s three major art museums: the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza. These acclaimed museums, also referred to as the “Golden Triangle of Art,” are reputable for constituting one of the most important concentrations of art within Europe.
So, where to begin? For those who can’t decide between the distinguished Prado Museum, the extraordinary private collection in Thyssen-Bornemisza, and the iconic contemporary artworks in Reina-Sofía, the Paseo del Arte Ticket is a hassle-free and cost-effective way to visit all 3!
The Paseo del Arte Ticket - What It's All About
The Paseo del Arte Ticket allows you one visit to the permanent collections of the Museo del Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza. With a one-year validity from the moment that you redeem your ticket, you have the flexibility to visit each of the three museums at your own pace. By purchasing a 3-in-1 pass, you save up to 20% on entrance tickets, making the Paseo Del Arte Ticket a highly economical choice for those seeking to explore Madrid’s abundant cultural scene. Additionally, the pass will let you skip the ticket lines and gain direct entry to each of the museums, ensuring a hassle-free experience and saving you time that is better spent exploring these world-famous art collections!
If you are debating whether the Paseo del Arte Ticket will complement your trip to Madrid, consider the main perks that the pass provides:
- Visit Madrid’s top 3 museums at your own pace
- Save up to 20% on entrance fees
- Save time with skip-the-line access
How To Redeem Your Paseo Del Arte Pass Ticket
Your Paseo Del Arte pass must be redeemed at the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum ticket office. When buying your ticket, you will be asked to make a reservation for the date that you will redeem your pass. Your pass will be valid for one year from the redemption date. Once you have redeemed your pass, you can gain direct entry to all three museums upon presenting your pass.
The Paseo del Arte Pass - Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included In the Paseo Del Arte Ticket?
- Skip-the-line entry to the permanent collection of the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum
- Skip-the-line entry to the permanent collection and several temporary collections of the Prado Museum
- Skip-the-line entry to the permanent collection and several temporary collections of the Reina Sofía Museum
What's Excluded In The Paseo Del Arte Ticket?
- Entry to the temporary collection of the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum
The Golden Triangle Of Art - Paseo del Arte Tickets
The 3 museums - Prado Museum. Reina Sofia Museum and Thyssen-Bornemisza located around Paseo del Prado, the oldest urban garden in Madrid is commonly known as the Golden Triangle Of Art. Learn more about each museum and why you should visit them.
Museo Nacional del Prado
Why Visit Museo Nacional del Prado?
The Museo Nacional del Prado is the most visited museum in Spain, and for good reason. It boasts an extensive collection of classical art and features works by some of the most notable Spanish and international painters from the 18th and 19th centuries. Roam through this stunning 18th century neoclassical landmark and admire the works of Francisco Goya, El Greco, Hieronymus Bosch, Fra Angelico, Diego Velázquez, Raphael, and Titian.
Top Things to See Inside Museo Del Prado
Las Meninas
As the centerpiece of the Prado Museum, make sure to take enough time to unveil the secrets of Velazquez’ complex masterpiece.
Goya’s Black Paintings
The unprecedented way in which Goya’s tumultuous state of mind is depicted in this series, which he painted directly on the walls of his house, is a stark contrast to his lively and uplifting earlier works.
The Garden of Earthly Delights
The symbolic meaning of Bosch’s famous threefold artwork is open to interpretation, but one thing is for certain: the spellbinding creatures, characters and scenarios in this illustration are sure to leave an impression.
Museo Del Prado - Plan Your Visit
Prado Museum Opening Hours
The Prado Museum is open every day, except for on January 1st, May 1st and December 25th. The last admission is 30 minutes before closing. The opening hours are as follows:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Sundays and holidays: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
- January 6th, December 24th & 31: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Directions to the Prado Museum
The Prado Museum is located on Calle de Ruiz de Alarcon 23, 28014 Madrid, Spain. The easiest ways to get there are:
- By Metro: The closest metro stations are Atocha (Blue Line L1) and Banco de España (Red Line L2).
- By Bus: Lines 9, 10, 14, 19, 27, 37, 37 and 45 stop at the Prado Museum.
Museo Del Prado - Tickets
Reina Sofía Museum
Why Visit The Reina Sofia Museum?
Founded in 1992, the Reina Sofía’s extensive collection of modern and contemporary art has led it to become one of the most visited destinations in Madrid in less than 30 years. The museum houses an impressive collection of works by Spanish artists including Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró. Boasting more than 20,000 artworks which capture the essence of Spanish culture throughout the past century, a visit to this museum is a must for art and history enthusiasts alike!
Top Things to See Inside Reina Sofía Museum
Guernica by Pablo Picasso
The museum’s undisputed crown jewel, this 11 feet tall, 25 feet wide masterpiece was painted in response to the bombing of Guernica in 1937 and is internationally recognized as one of the most noteworthy anti-war paintings.
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From Revolt to Postmodernity (1962-1982)
This permanent collection reflects on how postwar themes such as economic crises, globalization, and gender continue to shift and shape Spanish culture.
El Retiro Park
End your visit with a stroll through El Retiro Park, a green oasis in the center of the city which features two additional Reina Sofía exhibition spaces: Palacio de Velázquez and Palacio de Cristal.
Reina Sofía Museum - Plan Your Visit
Reina Sofia Museum Opening Hours
The last admission to the Reina Sofía Museum is 30 minutes before closing. The opening hours are as follows:
- Monday to Saturday (except Tuesdays): 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm (Collection 1 open from 2:30 onwards on Sunday)
- Closed: All Tuesdays, 1 & 6 January, 1 & 15 May, 10 November, 24, 25 & 31 December
Directions to the Reina Sofia Museum
The Reina Sofía Museum is located on Calle de Santa Isabel 52, 28012 Madrid, Spain. The easiest ways to get there are:
- By Bus: The EMT Line route 6, 10, 14, 19, 26, 27, 32, 34, 36, 37, 41, 45, 59, 85, 86, 102, 119, C1, C2, and E1 stop near the Reina Sofía Museum.
- By Train: It is a 5 minute walk from the Atocha-RENFE station to the museum.
- By Car: Exit Avenue del Mediterráneo onto Paseo de la Infanta Isabel.
Reina Sofía Museum - Tickets
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Why Visit Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza?
The Thyssen-Bornemisza is the second largest private collection in the world, consisting of more than 1600 works of predominantly European art ranging from the 13th-20th centuries. Unlike the Prado and the Reina Sofía, which house extensive collections of works from specific artists and historical periods, the Thyssen-Bornemisza is known for its diverse collection that features works from a vast range of eras, countries and styles. From Renaissance to Rococo and from Van Gogh to Juan Gris, the impeccably curated collection displayed in the Thyssen-Bornemisza is definitely worth your while.
Top Things to See Inside Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
14th/15th Century Masterpieces
Early European paintings are a focal point of the collection, including the works of Italian artists Duccio, Luca di Tommè, Bernardo Daddo, and Paolo Uccello. Works from Flemish and Dutch painters Jan van Eyck, Petrus Christus, Rogier van der Weyden, Gerard David and Hans Memling are also on display.
Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Art
An extensive collection of works by masters from the movement, including Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, Van Gogh, and many more can be found on the first floor of the museum.
The Big Three of Cubism
Get an impression of how Picasso, Georges Braque and Juan Gris each contributed to this avant-garde movement with their own unique style.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum - Plan Your Visit
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum Opening Hours
The last admission to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is 30 minutes before closing. The opening hours are as follows:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
- 24 and 31 December: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Closed: 1 January, 1 May, 25 December
Directions to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is located on Paseo del Prado, 8, 28014 Madrid, Spain. The easiest ways to get there are:
- By Metro: Go with Line 2 to the station Banco de España. It is a two minute walk from the station to the museum.
- By Train: The nearest stations to the museum are Aotcha and Recoletos. It is a 15-20 minute walk to the museum from both stations.
- By Bus: Buses 1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 14, 15, 20, 27, 34, 37, 41, 51, 52, 74, 146 and 150 stop near the museum.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum - Tickets
Cost-Benefit Analysis Of The Paseo del Arte Ticket
Cost Of The 3 Museums Individually
The Paseo del Arte Ticket will cost you €36 and save you the hassle of buying separate tickets to each Museum individually. Don't forget to use GOMADRID for an extra €6 off your Paseo del Arte Ticket!
Hacks To Make The Best Of Your Paseo del Arte Ticket
Here are several tips to keep in mind when planning your Paseo del Arte itinerary:
This app is designed to take you on a pleasant tour of 24 works considered essential for understanding the history of western art, from the Middle Ages to the present day. If you're looking to visit all 3 museums overs a day's time; this app could come handy.
The Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza are connected by the Paseo del Prado and located within walking distance from each other. However, due to the expansive collections within each museum, it is not recommended to visit all three in one day. If you are visiting Madrid for several days, spread out your visits over at least two days so that you can take plenty of time to discover the masterpieces housed within each museum.
While Madrid’s three most popular museums are bound to attract crowds on all days, the best times to visit are first thing in the morning or during the lunchtime lull (around 3 pm). If you are at the museums by the time they open, you will be ahead of most visitors and only have to go through a security check before you are free to explore the collections with less crowds. The same counts for the afternoons, when the Spanish traditionally enjoy a ‘Siesta’ (nap) and all parts of the city, including museums, are much less busy.
Recharge after your museum visits by experiencing a different aspect of Spanish culture in the Huertas neighborhood. Known as the Literary Quarter, this charming neighborhood next to the Paseo del Prado is the ultimate place to stroll over cobblestone streets, pop into cosy cafés and try an array traditional Spanish dishes. Whether you seek to taste the famous “churros con chocolate” or prefer to duck into in a tapas bar, a visit to the Huertas neighborhood is a great way to round off a perfect day in Madrid.
Paseo Del Arte Ticket Reviews
Best buy! I wanted to visit all the 3 museums in Madrid and this pass is a steal deal. I got mine from Headout at a price cheaper than the official website!
Line access was very good. I didn't have to wait in line and they just have to scan my ticket and that was it
Ready To Go Museum Hopping In Madrid?
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