The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a better choice for visitors seeking a diverse collection spanning various cultures and eras, and who want to take photos. The Prado Museum is ideal for those specifically interested in European, especially Spanish, art and prefer a more intimate, photography-free experience.
| Metric | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | The Prado Museum |
|---|---|---|
| Collection Size | More than two million works of art | Approximately 8,200 drawings, 7,600 paintings, 4,800 prints, and 1,000 sculptures, plus other works of art and historic documents. |
| Historical Period Coverage | Spanning five thousand years of world culture, from prehistory to the present | European art from the 12th century to the early 20th century. |
| Geographic Region Focus | Art from around the world | Comprehensive collection of Spanish painting, with significant works from the Italian and Flemish schools. |
| Visitor Count | More than 5.5 million visitors to its two locations in the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2024 | 3,457,057 visitors in 2024. |
| Exhibition Variety | More than 30 exhibitions each year representing a wide range of artists, eras, and cultures | Paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and decorative arts. |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible, with accessible entrances on 81st Street and Fifth Avenue and through the 80th Street and Fifth Avenue parking garage. Manual wheelchairs are available for loan. Hearing loops are present at ticketing and information desks. Assistive listening devices are available. Large-print programs and audio guides are available. | Facilities have no architectural barriers for people with reduced mobility, with accessible lifts, ramps, and platforms. Free wheelchair loan service available. Guide dogs are welcome. |
| Educational Programs | Offers many educational programs for children, teens, and adults, in groups and as individuals | Special activities and workshops designed for children. |
| Opening Hours | Sunday–Tuesday and Thursday: 10 am–5 pm; Friday and Saturday: 10 am–9 pm | Monday to Saturday: 10am - 8pm. Sundays and holidays: 10am - 7pm. |
| Closed Days | Wednesdays, Thanksgiving Day, December 25, January 1, and the first Monday in May | January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th. |
| Photography Policy | Non-flash photography and video for personal use is allowed in most galleries unless otherwise noted. Unauthorized photoshoots and staged photography are not permitted. Use of flash, selfie sticks, tripods, monopods, drones, and professional video equipment are not allowed without prior approval. | Photography and videos are not permitted in the permanent exhibitions. |
| Average Visit Time | 3-4 hours to explore the museum's various collections | Suggested itineraries of 1, 2, and 3 hours covering the museum’s most important masterpieces. |
| Dining Options | The Met Fifth Avenue offers several dining options, including The Eatery, The American Wing Cafe, Petrie Court Cafe, and The Great Hall Balcony Cafe. The Met Cloisters also has dining options. | Café Prado and Ionian Gallery Tea Room. |
| Guided Tours | Free tours are offered, led by trained Museum staff. Private tours for 1 – 4 people start at $225 per hour (a 5% discount over tours booked via email or phone). All tours have a two-hour minimum. | Available for an additional cost of €10. |