Charming Museo del Prado

The audio guides were very helpful, and the staff were good. It was crowded, but there was still room to see the art. Buying tickets ahead is definitely a good idea, though it won’t save you from a bit of a line. A transformational experience, seeing such greatness and the best humanity has to offer. Velásquez was an obvious highlight, and Caravaggio took my breath away.

The museum was organized professionally, and buying a ticket at the counter took me only about eight minutes. I was disappointed that photography isn't allowed, even without flash, though I did sneak a few shots. A lot of the collection is dark in tone, as you might expect from Goya, Rubens, Bruegel and others from that period. I would've liked to see more later, lighter works, such as Emil Claus, along with French artists and Van Goghs. As a Flemish visitor, I also enjoyed spotting some of our cultural treasures, though I do wonder how they got there. Maybe the Spaniards took them centuries ago. Shame on you, I'd say. 😅 The Prado Museum is impressive and well worth visiting.

We bought tickets at the museum, and the prices were reasonable. Lockers are available for backpacks. It's a lovely place for a family visit of about two hours, and one of Europe's top museums.

We spent a while looking at Goya's ‘May 2nd’ and ‘May 3rd’. Having watched the May 2 parade last Saturday, and with several wars happening now, seeing the paintings' depiction of combat felt especially fitting. The national art museum is right in central Madrid, with magnificent works across three floors. Entry is well managed, with scanners at the door, but cameras aren't allowed in the galleries.