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The Prado breaks records and consolidates Spain as a cultural benchmark in 2025
The Prado Museum reached a historic milestone in 2025: for the first time ever, it surpassed 3.6 million visitors, once again becoming the most visited museum in Spain and reaffirming its role as one of Europe's most important cultural landmarks. This achievement reflects not only the appeal of its permanent collections but also the effectiveness of its temporary exhibitions, educational activities, and outreach projects, which have successfully engaged audiences of all ages.
This record comes at a time when Spanish museums have experienced a significant increase in attendance following the post-pandemic recovery. In fact, since 2023, the Prado has consistently surpassed its own records, consolidating a phenomenon that goes beyond mere numbers: it reflects the growing interest in visual culture and artistic heritage in Spain.
The Prado Museum wasn't the only highlight in 2025. The National Archaeological Museum (MAN) surpassed its own visitor record from 2014, welcoming over 860,000 people. This increase reveals a renewed interest in archaeology, material history, and the roots of Spanish cultural identity, demonstrating that the fascination with the past continues to captivate both general and specialized audiences.
Likewise, other museums in Madrid have experienced remarkable growth. The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum has surpassed one million visitors, resuming its characteristic positive trend, while the Reina Sofía Museum has managed to maintain its figures despite restrictions resulting from renovations at some of its satellite locations. These figures reflect the strength of Madrid's museum ecosystem and its capacity to offer high-quality cultural experiences across diverse artistic fields, from classical to contemporary painting and photography.
Experts agree that these results not only reflect the popularity of museums, but also their role as agents of education, social cohesion, and intercultural dialogue. The high visitor numbers demonstrate that cultural spaces are increasingly perceived as places for encounter and reflection, capable of connecting past and present and fostering intellectual curiosity.
In short, 2025 has established itself as a landmark year for Spanish museums, led by the Prado, but bolstered by the strength of institutions such as the National Archaeological Museum (MAN), the Thyssen-Bornemisza, and the Reina Sofía. These figures are not just numbers: they reflect a country that values its heritage, is committed to culture, and recognizes the role of museums as drivers of identity and creativity.
Data from 2025
Prado Museum - 3,653,738 million
Reina Sofía Museum - 1,706,792
Guggenheim Museum - 1,305,003
Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum - 1,003,455
National Archaeological Museum - 864.201
CaixaForum Barcelona - 585.575
