Museo Arqueológico Nacional, 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. 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 a variety of interesting artifacts, such as 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.
Quick Facts
| Type of site: | Museum |
| Address: | C. Serrano 13, Madrid, Spain |
| Phone: | 91/577-7912 |
| Website: | www.man.es |
| Metro: | Serrano or Retiro |
| Bus: | 1, 9, 19, 51, or 74 |
| Hours: | Tues.-Sat. 9:30-8:30, Sun. 9:30-2:30 |
| Cost: | €3, free Sat. after 2:30 and all day Sun. |
Sources
More Information
- Official Website of the Museo Arqueológico Nacional
- M.A.N. (Madrid) - Flickr photo set by Luis García, with detailed Spanish and English captions
Travel Resources
- Madrid City Maps - our interactive city map plus links to more online maps
- Madrid Hostels - search and book budget lodgings
- Madrid Hotel Reviews - unbiased reviews from fellow travelers plus price comparisons
- Madrid Day Tours - sightseeing tours and excursions
- Madrid Car Rentals - explore Spain with a car picked up in Madrid
- Madrid Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Madrid
- Spain Rail Pass - discounts on multiple train journeys
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of the National Archaeological Museum. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Madrid Map or get our free Google Earth download.
