Madrid’s renowned Museo del Prado set a historic record in 2024, welcoming 3,258,328 visitors by Saturday, December 7. This figure surpasses the total of 3,241,263 visitors recorded in 2023, with three weeks still remaining in the year.
The museum has achieved an average of 9,580 visitors daily, marking its highest attendance in five years. According to the museum, this milestone reflects growing public interest in its cultural offerings.
Background of the Museo del Prado
Established in 1819, the Museo del Prado is one of the world’s most celebrated art institutions. Located in the heart of Madrid, it houses an extensive collection of European masterpieces, including works by Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, and Titian. Originally conceived as a royal museum, it has grown to become a cornerstone of Spanish cultural heritage and a global beacon for art lovers.
Expanding access to new audiences
Museum director Miguel Falomir emphasised that the focus is not solely on increasing visitor numbers but also on diversifying the audience. Initiatives like the monthly night openings, from 8.30 pm to 11.30 pm on the first Saturday of each month, aim to attract a broader demographic.
Tourism boost drives international visitors
The rise in visitors aligns with an increase in tourism to Madrid. Foreign visitors accounted for 60% of the Museo del Prado’s total audience, while 40% were domestic tourists.
Data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE) reveals that travel to Madrid rose by 5.5% over the past year. International tourism saw the most significant growth, with a 10.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Free admission initiatives
Nearly 45% of visitors—1,459,026 people—gained free entry to the museum, thanks to designated free-admission time slots and special concessions for groups such as children and students. This accessibility initiative has contributed to the museum’s growing appeal.
May: A record-breaking month
May emerged as the museum’s busiest month, attracting over 327,000 visitors. The single busiest day was Saturday, May 18, when 14,497 people attended during the International Museum Day and Night celebrations.
A growing cultural hub
The record-breaking numbers highlight the Prado’s role as a key cultural attraction in Madrid. With its continued efforts to reach wider audiences and collaborate with the city’s thriving tourism sector, the museum is poised to maintain its status as one of the world’s leading cultural institutions.