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Do seniors above 65 gain free admission to the 3 most popular museums in Madrid

Posted by ( USA) on

Hi All -

I was about to purchase the Paseo del Arte tickets on the Reina website and read what I think was an exemption to pay for seniors from 65+. My wife and I fall into that age group (gulp)!. It looks like tif we accept this option we then need to show up in person to pick up a ticket at the museum box office (rather than in advance).

We arrive Madrid from Toledo Friday May 23 and are in Madrid, 5/23, 24, 25 - departing back to the US 5/26. I would think the museums are busier on the weekends.

Can someone shed some light and a) verify my understanding about the free admittance is correct, b) crowd sizes in May c) and whether we should avoid the lines and buy tickets - although from reading another post, it seems that anyone who has a Paseo del Arte pass still needs to get a ticket at the box office anyway.

Thanks much for your reply and expertise - d

Posted by
501 posts

In late October 2024, we lined up for the Prado and the Royal Palace about 30 minutes before opening because we are teachers (free entrance but not permitted to buy advance tickets online). There were already a few people in line ahead of us, but the process went smoothly. We simply mentioned to the ticket clerk that we were teachers and showed our teacher ID card. I imagine that it might be a bit busier in late May.

Posted by
110 posts

You get a reduced rate at the Prado and Thyssen, and a free ticket at the Reina Sofia.

Here's my experience having been to the Prado four times the last two years. The absolutely best time to go to the Prado is Sunday at 10am. I went there immediately at 10am on a Sunday and I was able to see all the highlights of the museum with no crowds at all. I was in the main room of famous Diego Velazquezes with one person not in my group. This seems to be confirmed by Google Maps location data. So, that's my advice. Book a ticket for 10am on Sunday the 25th at the Prado. Reina Sofia try to get there first thing in the morning but that's less crowded.

Posted by
162 posts

Thanks Everyone - Appreciate the advice - we will book tickets with each museum separately. - d

Posted by
769 posts

There are also free hours for anyone at each museum. A brief check says
6-8pm at the Prado, 7-9pm at Reina Sofia, and Mondays at the Thyssen.

You will have to line up and go through a security check, but that's about it.

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