FAQ

Once I become an American Friend, how long does it take for the membership to be active?

You will receive an email confirming reception of your membership request. When you receive this email, open the Digital ID Card in a Passbook or Wallet App, available on iPhone and Android phones, to view your card and use it in future visits. 

Once your credit card donation is processed, it should take only 30 minutes for your membership to become active.  This can take up to a full business day for other methods of payment.  You can visit the Museum on the day of donation, however.

What is the delivery method for my American Friends membership card?

You will receive your membership Welcome Pack by email and should save your membership card to a Wallet or Passbook app on your Smartphone. Follow the instructions given in the email to download the ID to a Wallet or Passbook App on your Smartphone, or ask a member of the team to help you at the Friends Support Desk in the Museum.  The virtual membership card on your smartphone gives you direct access to the Prado Museum.  

How long is my membership valid?

Membership is valid for 12 months from the day of donation and is renewable on a yearly basis.

I want to bring a guest with me, what should I do?

Membership levels of Enthusiast membership and above include guest entry passes.

Are there guided tours available for American Friends?

Yes, we offer programed guided tours in English for our Friends at the Enthusiast membership level or above; we also offer  tailored, personalized tours of the Museum for our Friends at the Diplomat membership level and above.  

Does the Museum provide guided tours?

The Museo del Prado does not organize tours, but the Education Department of the Museum does offer diverse activities in the Spanish language.  

I am interested in upgrading my membership to a higher level. How should I do this?

If you are alreada Friend, an upgrade in membership can be achieved by logging in to your personal membership area on our website or by contacting us at info@afpradomuseum.org.  If you would like to become an American Friend, please consider the options at our website here

How can I best avoid lines at the Prado?

As an American Friend of the Prado, with your membership code or ID card on your Passbook or Wallet App on your SmartPhone, please enter directly through the fast-track access at the Jeronimos entrance.

Can I purchase a membership as a gift?

Yes, it is possible to purchase an American Friends membership as a gift for another individual.  This can be easily handled by contacting info@afpradomuseum.org.

How can I renew my membership?

Please renew your American Friends membership at personal membership login area our website, located here.

How can I update my mailing address or contact information?

Please update all your information at your personal membership login area or by email to info@afpradomuseum.org

Where is the Friends Information desk located?

Please find our Information Desk inside the Jeronimos Hall, which is very near the Jeronimos entrance to the Museo del Prado, in Madrid, Spain.  Upon entering the Museum, the Information Desk will be directly to your left, just next to the Cafe area.  

Feel free to contact us a member of the Museum staff if you experience trouble in locating this desk.

Is there a student or senior Membership?

Membership begins at the Friend level for all persons.  Please view all American Friends Membership options on our website here.

Can I use my American Friends of the Museo del Prado membership at any other institutions or museums?

 At present, membership of the American Friends of the Museo del Prado is only for the Museo del Prado located in Madrid, Spain.

Can I make a donation to support the Prado Museum without being a member?

Yes, general donations are possible through our webpage here and are welcome in any amount.  We also offer other types of donations through our Other Support Options page located here.

Can I get my donation back? What is the return policy?

As a charitable donation, it is impossible for us to return any donation made to the American Friends of the Museo del Prado.  However, all donations are tax-deductible in the United States, as it is a registeried 501(c)3.

Can I become an American Friend of the Prado Museum if I´m not from the USA?

Anyone can become an American Friend and support the Prado Museum. However, the fiscal benefits for these tax-deductible contributions are only applicable with the I.R.S. of the United States of America.

Are there Friends of the Prado in Spain?

Yes. The Fundación Amigos del Museo del Prado runs an Amigos program and is the  foundation that supports the museum in Spain. American Friends collaborates closely with this entity on many projects to benefit the Museum and its collections.  As a result, American Friends recommends that you consider becoming an Amigo del Prado if that fits better for you. Please find more information on their webpage here.

How accessible is the Prado for disabled visitors?

The Prado Museum is fully accessible for wheelchairs and adequately equipped with elevators. Wheelchairs and child strollers are available for use, free of charge, from the coat check area.  More information on accessibility is available at the Museum´s webpage here.

Does the Museum allow photography?

Limited photography is permitted in designated areas only.  However, it is not permitted in the painting galleries.  Please keep this in mind while touring the Museum.  Please visit the Museum´s website here to familiarize yourself with their rules.

How do I ensure that American Friends does not share my information with other organizations? What’s the privacy policy?

American Friends does not share any personal information with third parties for any reason and works with professional providers to ensure internet security. However, part of your personal information will be shared with the Museo del Prado to manage your preferred entry into the Museum. Please refer to our privacy policy.

How much is admission into the Prado?

16 euros is the cost for general admission.  This is approximately equivalent to $18.  Please visit the Museum´s website here to view up-to-date admission types and costs.

Admission is free to the permanent collection Mondays to Saturday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Sundays from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  During this time, admission to the temporary exhibitions are sold at a 50% discount.  The last admission to the Museum is 30 minutes before closing daily.

What are the hours of the Prado?

The Museo del Prado is open 7 days a week, and closes on Christmas Day (December 25), New Year´s Day (January 1), and May 1.  The last admission to the Museum is 30 minutes before closing daily.  For the most up-to-date information, please check the Museum´s website here.

The hours are
Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM-8:00 PM, with free admission to the permanent collection between 6:00pm and 8:00pm
Sunday: 10:00 AM-7:00 PM, with free admission to the permanent collection between 5:00pm and 7:00pm.

Please consult the website here for the most up-to-date Museum hours.

During which holidays is the Prado closed?

The Museum is closed during the following holidays:
December 25 (Christmas Day)
January 1 (New Year´s Day)
May 1 



Please note that on January 6, December 24 (Christmas Eve), and December 31 (New Year´s Eve), the Museum closes at 2:00 PM.  Please make sure to check the Museum´s website here in advance for updates.

How can I purchase tickets in advance?

If you are Friend, you have unlimited fast-track access for one year.

From Enthusiast membership level and above, you also have passes for your guests.

Otherwise, the Museum´s page to purchase tickets is www.entradasprado.com.

Are purchases at the Prado store also tax-deductible?

No, these purchases are not tax-deductible.  However, by showing your American Friends ID card, you will receive exclusive discounts.

Can I order from the Prado’s online gift shop?

Yes, at www.tiendaprado.com. Discounts that are available to members in the Prado´s store, however, are not applicable to online purchases as of yet.