The National Archaeological Museum (MAN), which houses one of the world's most important antique collections, reopened in 2014 after a comprehensive remodelling process that lasted for six years. Comprising implements and works of art from Mediterranean cultures, its exhibits span from prehistory to the 19th century.

Located in the heart of the Salamanca District, it covers a series of chapters in the history of universal art that are not represented in the large museums of the nearby Art Walk, such as Greek ceramics, Visigoth votive crowns and Spanish Islamic ivories. The rich collection of this institution founded in 1867 is now on display thanks to a new museological plan which gives the exhibits as much as artistic value as it does archaeological, and includes informative panels, mockups and replicas that visitors can actually touch.

The Lady of Elche

The Lady of Elche continues to be one of the museum’s highlights. Compared to other Iberian works, it it striking for the proportions, harmony and balance of the face which is heavily influenced by Greek art. Her beads and tunic, on the other hand, are clearly local and are a perfect example of Iberian attire. A recent theory that has emerged among some historians is that the artwork was originally a sculpture of a seated woman which was then turned into a bust. Like many other sculptures from the era, the Lady of Eleche has a cavity in the back which is believed to have been used to store relics. Some theories suggest that she was a goddess while others argue that she represents a queen or a corpse.

Extraordinary works

Other invaluable pieces on display are the Treasure of Guarrazar, an incredible example of Visigoth goldsmithing, the ivory Pot from Zamora, and a collection of Greek vases, considered by specialists to be one of the greatest in the world.