This is what it's like to visit the Archaeological Museum of Madrid: the best things to see, opening hours

One of the museums you can visit in Madrid, and one of the most interesting, is the National Archaeological Museum.

Indeed, the nineteenth-century building known as Palace of Library and National Museums, which was completed in 1862, has been the headquarters of said museum since it was founded in 1867 at the initiative of the Queen isabel II.

It's worth remembering that the building was under construction since 2008 and was closed to visitors from July 2011 until its reopening in April 2014.

deep bliss reform Its objective was to condition the interior spaces in a more rational and accessible way according to current museum criteria.

How was the renovation of the National Archaeological Museum?

As a result, the National Archaeological Museum Now it is a new option within the wide museum offering of the Paseo del Prado in Madrid, where he Prado Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum They are the great protagonists.

Once the museum was closed to the public, a complete museographic renovation of the exposition halls., which involved the relocation of the permanent collection to incorporate the latest technical means and new services typical of the most modern museums.

In addition, the museum's usable space was expanded from 19.000 to 23.000 square meters.

This is what our experience at the Archaeological Museum in Madrid is like.

In collection of the National Archaeological Museum of Madrid you find more than 13.000 archaeological and artistic objects from the history of Spain, Since the Prehistory until the XNUMXth century.

It is completed with a collection of objects from Greece, the Ancient Near East, Egypt and Nubia.

Lady of Elche, Iberian art of the 5th century BC

With the experience of our visit, I can tell you that among the most outstanding works that you will be able to see is the Lady of Elche, from the 5th century BC

It is one of the most emblematic sculptures of Iberian art and a symbol of Spanish archaeological heritage.

Discovered by chance in 1897 on the La Alcudia estate, near Elche (Alicante), on the site of the ancient Iberian city of Ilici.

The discovery was made during agricultural work when, upon excavation, a richly adorned bust of a woman was found, which soon attracted both local and international attention.

After its discovery, the sculpture was acquired by a French archaeologist for the Louvre Museum, where it remained on display for more than 40 years, and where it was given the name “Lady of Elche".

In 1941, the sculpture returned to Spain and, after passing through the Prado Museum, is currently the main artistic jewel of the National Archaeological Museum.

La Lady of Elche It is considered the finest example of Iberian art, displaying a unique combination of cultural influences: its idealized face is reminiscent of Greek art, while the exuberance of its ornamentation has parallels with Phoenician and Punic art.

It is worth noting that this 56 cm high limestone sculpture was originally polychrome.

Lady of Baza, Iberian sculpture

Also from the Iberian period, in the museum you can see the Lady of Baza.

It is one of the most emblematic pieces of Iberian sculpture and a key discovery to understand the culture of the ancient Basti, current Base (Grenade).

It was discovered in 1971 during excavations in the necropolis of Sanctuary Hill.

The discovery was a milestone because the tomb was intact, which allowed the recovery of not only the sculpture, but also the funerary trousseau and the cremated remains of the deceased, deposited in a cavity in the sculpture itself.

With a height of 133 cm, the Lady of Baza It is considered a representation of an aristocratic woman, possibly a priestess, sorceress or even a divinity, who was made a hero after her death.

Guarrazar Treasure from the 7th century

El Guarrazar Treasure It is one of the most important archaeological finds in early medieval Europe.

It was discovered in 1858 near We are looking forward to it, about 10 kilometers from Toledo, after torrential rains that uncovered several urns containing Visigothic jewels.

The treasure remained hidden for more than 1.100 years, probably buried by Toledo clerics to protect it from Muslim invasion.

The set was mainly made up of votive crowns and crosses, many of them offered by Visigoth kings such as Suntila y Receding, which demonstrates its royal origin and its use in religious ceremonies or as donations to high-ranking temples.

After the discovery, the treasure was divided and sold in part to individuals and museums, which led to the dispersion and loss of some pieces.

Some crowns arrived at the Cluny Museum in Paris, while others were acquired by the Spanish Crown, although several disappeared after a robbery in 1921.

In 1941, part of the treasure returned to Spain and is now on display at the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid.

Other artistic works in the National Archaeological Museum

Other artistic works worth highlighting are the statue of Livia, of Roman origin; the so-called Zamora Boat, a 10th century ivory box designed by Andalusian artists; or the Crucifix of Don Fernando and Doña Sancha, from the 11th century, in Romanesque style.

Where is the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid

I remind you that the premises of the National Archaeological Museum is in the Recoletos walk, but the entrance to the building is through the 13 Serrano Street, very close to the Puerta de Alcalá.

Visiting hours of the National Archaeological Museum of Madrid

The Visiting hours of the National Archaeological Museum They are, from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9,30:20 a.m. to 9,30 p.m., and Sundays and holidays, from 15:XNUMX a.m. to XNUMX p.m.

Closed every Monday of the year and on January 1 and 6, May 1 and 15 and December 24, 25 and 31.

National Archaeological Museum ticket prices

The ticket prices The general one is 3 euros, and the reduced one is 1,50 euros.

How to visit the National Archaeological Museum of Madrid for free

The general public can visit the National Archaeological Museum for free on Saturdays from 14 p.m. and Sunday mornings, as well as on certain holiday dates.

Specifically, on April 18, May 18, October 12 and December 6.

And throughout the year they can visit this museum for free, among other groups, those under 18 years of age, seniors +65, students between 18 and 25 years old, Youth Card holders, unemployed and people with disabilities.