culture
January 15, 2026
Prado cannot be like ‘the Metro at rush hour’, says Madrid museum’s chief
Record 3.5 million visited in 2025 and plans are afoot to ensure gallery does not become overburdened like Louvre

TL;DR
- Prado Museum reached a record 3.5 million visitors in 2023.
- Director Miguel Falomir believes the museum does not need more visitors and wants to avoid oversaturation like the Louvre.
- A new project, 'Plan Host', is being implemented to prioritize visitor experience and quality over quantity.
- The museum aims to improve the visitor experience by optimizing entrances, rethinking group sizes, and managing photography.
- Currently, 65% of Prado visitors are from overseas; the museum wants to attract more Spanish visitors.
- The Louvre faced criticism for overcrowding, insufficient facilities, and poor signage.
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