I have a quick question. Is the reduced museum price for seniors applicable to EU members only, or for everyone 65 and older? We�ll be in Madrid in September and we�re trying to determine whether to purchase the Paseo del Arte pass (for the three museums) or ask for the seniors reduced rate. Is it worth buying the pass to avoid waiting in line? Thanks Kathy

I'm from the US and got the senior discount. I only went to the Prado so didn't buy the pass, but I bought that ticket ahead of time. There was a very long line, so definitely worth it to skip the line.

"Paseo del Arte pass (for the three museums) or ask for the seniors reduced rate. Is it worth buying the pass to avoid waiting in line? "

Absolutely. Get the pass.

I think for the art museums, it is solely by age, if they have such a reduction. The PRado website in English says "citizens over 65" but that isn't what it says in Spanish. Even that is vague, the treanslation is using the word citizen just to mean people.

For the Royal Palace, it is based on citizenship, so you wouldn't qualify there. It's for EU citizens or Latin America (which is kind of weird, maybe that's trying to make up to them for what the SPanish did, don't know).

Thank you all. We will get the pass!.
EU and Latin America: I can sort of see that.
Looking forward to Spain.
Kathy

kathleen,
For the art museums (Prado, Thyssen, Reina Sof�a), the reduced 65+ rate applies to all nationalities.

For the Royal Palace these are the rules for reduced admission:
"Persons over 65 years of age of the member States of the European Union or Latin American countries. By means of identification card, passport, driver�s licence, work or residency permit."

Royal Palace free admission rules:
"From Monday to Thursday from 16 to 18 h. (October to March) and 18 to 20 h. (April to September), free admission for citizens of the European Union, residents and holders of work permit in that territory and Latin American citizens, following accreditation of nationality (national identification card, passport or driver�s licence) or residency or work permit."

The Paseo del Arte card doesn't cover the temporary exhibits at the Thyssen.
The card offers a 20% reduction off the general admission for the 3 museums and is valid for 1 year.

Admission to the Sorolla Museum is free on Saturdays from 2:30 pm until closing and on Sundays. (General admission: 3 euros)
The National Archaeological Museum is free on Saturdays from 2 pm until closing and on Sundays. (General admission: 3 euros)
Admission to the Cerralbo Museum is free for those 65+ of any nationality with proof of age.
The Fundaci�n L�zaro Galdiano offers reduced admission (4 euros) to those over 60 of any nationality with proof of age.
The Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando offers reduced admission (4 euros) to those over 65 of any nationality with proof of age.

Maribel,
Thank you for the detailed information on several other Madrid museums and the clarification on the reduced admission for seniors. A couple of them are on our list to visit.We’re in Madrid for a week, so we should have time. By the way, I’ve downloaded much of your Madrid guide; we’re looking forward to enjoying your “Foodie” Gastro Bars in the Retiro District tapas crawl. Kathy

Look for the word Jubilado ( pronounced who-bee-LAAD-oh) which refers to retired people. Bring some sort of proof of age if you run into a bureaucrat.

Thanks IMD. We've decided to purchase the Paseo del Arte pass for the three museums, but there are a couple of other museums where we'll request the senior tickets. I'll look for the word Jubilado (or attempt to say it) when at the ticket counter, along with some ID and proof of age. Kathy

kathleen,
"pensionistas" is the other term for seniors, if you get stuck, but ticket sellers at the other small Madrid museums mentioned above will understand English.
One that I didn't mention is the CaixaForum, that will be having a temporary exhibit on Olga Picasso during your stay. No sr. discount but entrance costs only 5 euros.
Enjoy the gastro bars of the Retiro!

BTW, one of our favorite museums, off the beaten track, is the Royal Tapestry Factory. They still use patterns Goya created. You will need timed tickets and be sure to go an English tour.

Royal Tapestry Factory ? Royal Tapestry Factory

Another vote for the Royal Tapestry Factory if it's of interest and you have the time.

Thanks IMD and Maribel, I will check out those museums. We're staying in the area near Caixa Forum Museum and had already decided we'd go to that museum. Picasso's Classical period isn't my favorite Picasso period, but it is Picasso! And of course there are other exhibits there as well. The Royal Tapestry Factory doesn't seem too far away, and it looks intriguing, so maybe. It seems that the English tour is 12:30pm, and we'll reserve ahead if we go. I appreciate the suggestions, Kathy

You are welcome.