More than 500,000 people have visited the Museo Arqueological Nacional (MAN) annually since its 2014 refurbishment, making it one of the most popular attractions in the city. About 13,000 archaeological, historical, and artistic artifacts span Spain's chronological evolution and cultural history from ancient times to the 19th century. They are shown in the new museum's 9,000-square meters exhibit area. Thanks to a new museological plan that provides the displays as much artistic value as they do archaeological significance and includes educational panels, mockups, and replicas that visitors can touch, the extensive collection of this institution, created in 1867, is now on display.
Through a timeless museum design that uses a sober, adaptable language in accord with the building itself regarding ideas, materials, and volumes, the most recent architectural refurbishment also incorporated the museum discourse. The exhibition offers a historical trip from the dawn of humanity to the twenty-first century, and it stands out for its adaptability, complementing resources, and high-quality new displays. It was one of the most ambitious architectural and cultural projects of its time and was inspired by the development of archaeology and a new awareness of heritage protection.
Its rectangular floor layout, which is neoclassical in design, is divided into four bays that create four square patios and a sizable central area, with the four corners imagined as towers. The two primary facades, which are distinct and correspond to their two present purposes, form the foundation of the organizational structure. Two indoor patios that were recently covered and restored for exhibition make up the portion of the museum that is located along Calle Serrano. A mezzanine on the first floor that was designed as a viewpoint over both patios, the addition of a new communication center, the new access that creates a large reception space, and the recovery of the historic trusses and the lower roof of the library are all noteworthy features of the current building.
The artifact collection contains discoveries from the Iberian, Celtic, Greek, Egyptian, Punic, Roman, Paleochristian, Visigothic, and Muslim cultures. It charts the development of human cultures from the prehistoric era up to the fifteenth century. Surprisingly, the bulk of the artifacts originated from excavations conducted in Spain, demonstrating the remarkable continuity and variety of human habitation on the Iberian Peninsula. There are also significant collections from Greece, Rome, the Middle East, Egypt and other regions. The Lady of Elche, the Monument of Pozo Moro, the Statue of Livia, the Lady of Baza, the six crowns of the amazing Treasure of Guarrazar, the Stele of Nebsumenu, and the Statue of Harsomtus -Em-Hat are some of the most significant items on display at the museum.
The Treasure of Guarrazar, a magnificent example of Visigoth goldsmithing, the ivory Pot from Zamora, and a collection of Greek vases, regarded by experts as one of the finest in the world, are other priceless items on show.
Duration RequiredC. de Serrano, 13, 28001 Madrid, Spain
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