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National Archaeological Museum

    Information

    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. 

     

    Services
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    Lost & found
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    Shop
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    Audioguides
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    Lockers / Cloakroom
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    Cafeteria
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    Library
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    Information points
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    Guided tours
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    Lift
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    Nursing room
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    Baby-changing facilities

    Interior spaces without architectural barriers

    Toilets adapted for wheelchairs

    Wheelchairs available at coat-check

    Guided visits for the visually impaired persons, prior reservation needed

    Tactile labels for the permanent collection

    Tactile stations

    Induction loop

    Plans and leaflets for persons with mental disability

    Last updated: 08/03/2023
    Practical Information
    Tourist Information
    Address
    Calle
    de Serrano, 13
    28001
    Tourist area
    Paseo del Arte
    Telephone
    (+34) 91 577 79 12
    Fax
    Metro
    Colón (L4)
    Serrano (L4)
    Retiro (L2)
    Bus
    001, 1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 14, 15, 19, 20, 27, 34, 37, 45, 51, 52, 53, 74, 146, 150, 203, C03, E1, N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6, N7, N9, N10, N11, N12, N15, N16, N17, N18, N19, N20, N21, N22, N23, N24, N25, N26, N27
    Cercanías (local train)
    Madrid-Recoletos
    BiciMAD bike-share scheme

    Docking stations:

    - Biblioteca Nacional (Paseo de Recoletos, 20)

    - Villanueva (calle Claudio Coello, 109)

    - Colón A y B (calle Serrano, 34)

    Price

    General admission: €3

    Reduced ticket: €1.50 (groups of more than eight people upon request in advance of ten days and cultural volunteering with accreditation)

    Free admission: under 18 years and over 65 years; Saturdays from 2:00 p.m. and Sunday mornings; April 18, Monuments and Sites Day; May 18, International Museum Day; October 12, National Holiday of Spain; and December 6, Day of the Spanish Constitution.

    Consult more cases on the official website or at the box office. Consult other discounts at the box office or on the official website.

    Times

    Tues-Sat  9:30am - 8:00pm.

    Sun & public holidays: 9:30am - 3pm.

    Closed: Monday; 1st and 6th January; 1st May; 24th, 25th, 31st December.

    Type
    Cultural venues
    Museums

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