National Archaeological Museum, Madrid
La Dama de Elche (5th century BC). Photo
Luis García.
Mosaic depicting a labor of Hercules. Photo
Luis García.
Bicha de Balazote from 6th-century-BC Iberia. Photo
Luis García.
Bronze astrolabe plate by Ibrahim ibn Said al-Sahali of Toledo, 1067 AD.
Photo
Luis García.
Greek vase with maenad fleeing a satyr (c.480 BC). Photo
Luis García.
Location map and aerial view of the National Archaeological Museum. For a larger interactive view, see our Madrid Map.
The National Archaeological Museum of Spain (Museo Arqueológico Nacional) in Madrid contains a wealth of exhibits from Spain and beyond, ranging in date from prehistoric to Renaissance times. Housed in a Neoclassical building, the museum shares a roof with the National Library.
What to See
The M.A.N. (as the museum is known for short) contains a wealth of religious art. Many of the exhibits were removed from churches and monasteries and there are many ancient sacred artifacts as well.
One of the most popular exhibits is an underground replica of the prehistoric cave paintings discovered in Altamira, Cantabria. For preservation reasons, access to the original is highly restricted. The paintins feature bison, horses, and boars.
A highlight of the main museum is La Dama de Elche (Lady of Elx in English), a bust of a wealthy 5th-century BC Iberian woman. Her elaborate headgear is a precursor to the mantillas and hair combs of traditional Spanish dress.
A collection of Visigothic votive crowns were discovered in 1859 near Toledo and have been dated to the 8th century. A beautiful choir stall from the palace of Palencia dates from the 14th century.
There are also Greek vases, Roman mosaics, and various exhibits from Ibiza, Paestum, and Rome, including statues of Tiberius and his mother, Livia. The outstanding Islamic Spain collection includes an elaborate astrolabe from 11th-century Toledo.
Other collections include Spanish Renaissance lusterware, Talavera pottery, Retiro porcelain, and some rare 16th- and 17th-century Andalusian glassware. Finally, the prehistoric Altamira cave paintings (chiefly of wild animals), discovered near Santander in northern Spain in 1868, are displayed in full-size reproductions.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | National Archaeological Museum; Museo Arqueológico Nacional, M.A.N. |
| Location: | Madrid, Madrid, Spain |
| Category: | Museums |
| Architecture: | Neoclassical |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 40.423608° N, 3.689389° W (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Calle de Serrano and Calle de Jorge Juan, Madrid, Spain |
| Phone: | 91-577-79-12 |
| Website: | www.man.es |
| Hours: | Tue-Sat 9:30am-8:30pm; Sun 9:30am-2:30pm |
| Cost: | €3, free for children and adults 65+. Free for everyone Sat and Sun |
| Photography: | Permitted |
| Public transport: | Metro: Serrano or Retiro Bus: 1, 9, 19, 51, or 74 |
Travel Resources for Madrid
- Madrid Map - our detailed interactive map of Madrid, plus hand-picked links to more
- Madrid Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Madrid
- Madrid Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Madrid Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Madrid Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
- Madrid Flight Search - compare multiple travel sites to find the lowest airfare to Madrid
- Madrid Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
- Madrid Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Madrid tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Museo Arqueológico - Fodor's Spain
- Museo Arqueológico Nacional - Frommer's Spain
- Official Website of the Museo Arqueológico Nacional
- M.A.N. (Madrid) - Flickr photo set by Luis García, with detailed Spanish and English captions
Article last updated: 07/17/2009.
