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Museo Arqueológico Nacional

HistoryArchaeologyOpen until 8pmFrom €3Serrano (Metro Line 4)

Founded in 1867 by royal decree of Isabella II, the Museo Arqueológico Nacional (MAN) traces the Iberian Peninsula's past from prehistory through the early modern era. It shares its grand 19th-century neoclassical building, designed by Francisco Jareño, with the National Library of Spain near Plaza de Colón. Its collections span Iberian, Roman, Visigothic, Islamic and Christian Spain alongside Egyptian, Near Eastern and Greek antiquities, anchored by icons such as the Lady of Elche and the Visigothic Treasure of Guarrazar. A major 2008–2014 renovation modernised the galleries and their chronological display.

What's On

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Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

Calle de Serrano, 13, 28001 Madrid, Spain

Nearest station: Serrano (Metro Line 4), Colón (Metro Lines 4 & 10), Retiro (Metro Line 2)

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Hours

MonClosed
Tue09:30–20:00
Wed09:30–20:00
Thu09:30–20:00
FriToday09:30–20:00
Sat09:30–20:00
Sun09:30–15:00

Admission

From €3

Reduced rate €1.50 (groups of 8+ booked 10+ days ahead; cultural volunteers). Free entry Saturdays from 14:00 and Sunday mornings, plus 18 Apr, 18 May, 12 Oct and 6 Dec. Free with ID for under-18s, over-65s, students 18-25, the unemployed, large families and several other categories listed on-site.

Nearby

Fundación MAPFRE – Sala Recoletos

Art3 min walk

Casa de América

ArtFree6 min walk

Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas

Design8 min walk

Museo Naval

MilitaryFree9 min walk

Visitor Information

How much does Museo Arqueológico Nacional cost?
Standard adult admission to Museo Arqueológico Nacional is €3. Reduced rate €1.50 (groups of 8+ booked 10+ days ahead; cultural volunteers). Free entry Saturdays from 14:00 and Sunday mornings, plus 18 Apr, 18 May, 12 Oct and 6 Dec. Free with ID for under-18s, over-65s, students 18-25, the unemployed, large families and several other categories listed on-site.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
What are the opening hours of Museo Arqueológico Nacional?
Museo Arqueológico Nacional is open Tue–Sat 9:30am–8pm; Sun and most public holidays 9:30am–3pm. Closed Mondays, 1 & 6 Jan, 1 May, and 24, 25 & 31 Dec. Reduced hours (9:30am–3pm) on 8 Dec (Immaculate Conception).. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is Museo Arqueológico Nacional?
Museo Arqueológico Nacional is located at Calle de Serrano, 13, 28001 Madrid, Spain, in the Recoletos area of Madrid. The nearest stations are Serrano (Metro Line 4), Colón (Metro Lines 4 & 10), Retiro (Metro Line 2).
What can I see at Museo Arqueológico Nacional?
Spain's leading archaeology museum, home to the Lady of Elche and treasures spanning prehistory to Islamic and Christian Spain. Current highlights include Lady of Elche, Vitrina CERO: From Greek Tragedy to Roman Comedy — Classical Theatre, Misterios de la materia. The Science of Heritage in the MAN Collections.
Do I need to book Museo Arqueológico Nacional in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
When is the best time to visit Museo Arqueológico Nacional?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.

Coralma*, via Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0)

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