Heading to Madrid to experience art? In this article you will find what you need - a list of free museums in Madrid, as well as happy hours of visiting museums.
Do you want to see with your own eyes the canvases of Bosch and Velazquez, Picasso and Goya? We will show you how to do it for free! Madrid's museums, like many other European cities, have happy hours. At this time, museums open their doors to all visitors. Thus, knowing the days and hours of free admission, you can plan your visits in advance so that you can see the famous museums of Madrid for free.
Note to thrifty travelers: all museums in Madrid on 12 October, 6 December and 18 May are open to the public free of charge.
Where to find cheap tickets? This is most conveniently done using the search engines Aviasales and Skyscanner. To find the best price, check both and see tickets for different dates. Read also the instructions on how to search for cheap flights correctly.
Free museums in Madrid
- The famous Prado Museum in Madrid (El Museo del Prado) can be visited free of charge according to the following schedule: Tuesday - Saturday 18:00 - 20:00, Sunday - from 17:00 to 19:00. In addition to the above dates, the museum can be entered for free on 19 November.
- The Reina Sofía Arts Center (Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía) on April 18, May 18, October 12 and December 6 can be visited free of charge, just like on any Sunday, on Saturdays from 14:30 to 21:00, and until weekdays (except Tuesday) from 19:00 to 21:00. And the entrance to the Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal) and Velázquez Palace (Palacio de Velázquez) is always free.
- The Royal Palace in Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid) is free on Wednesdays and May 18th.
- National Archaeological Museum in Madrid (Museo Nacional de Arqueología). On Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning there is the opportunity to visit the archaeological museum. You can also get there for free on November 16.
- You can admire Dürer and Caravaggio from 12:00 to 16:00 on Mondays at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
- Admission to the Madrid Aviation Museum (Museo del Aire) is free.
- The Museum of the Blind (Museo Tiflológico) is also free of charge.
- Exhibition Center of the Madrid Metro (Anden Cero / Estación de Chamberí).
- Madrid Maritime Museum (El Museo Naval de Madrid) - admission to the museum is free, but strictly according to passports.
- National Museum of Science and Technology in Madrid (Museo nacional de ciencia y tecnología).
- Admission to the Bullfighting Museum (Madrid's Museo Taurino) is free.
- Museum of America (The Museo de América) - Free Sunday, April 18, May 18, October 12, December 6.
- Museo Lazaro Galdiano - free on Wednesdays.
- Museo Arte Publico - free access.
- Mint Museum (Museo Casa de la Moneda) - free.
- Museo Cerralbo - free admission on Saturdays after 14:00; on Thursdays from 17:00 to 20:00; every Sunday, as well as April 18, May 18, October 12 and December 6.
- Cultural Center Caixaforum Madrid (some exhibitions are paid).
- Centro Cultural Conde Duque: admission is always free.
If the list of free museums does not satisfy you, we advise you to purchase a discount card. Madrid card - with it you can visit more than 50 museums for free! Also, thanks to the card, you can get good discounts in numerous shops and restaurants and take part in city tours as part of the Descubre Madrid tour.
In addition, cardholders enjoy privileged access to museums - with it you no longer need to stand in lines! The card is accompanied by a tourist guide in different languages, a city map and useful information about museums, services and other institutions that are part of the Madrid Card.
