Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales

s there a better way to spark your curiosity than stepping into a world where dinosaurs roam and ancient ecosystems come alive? MNCN in Madrid is a treasure trove of natural wonders that had me hooked from the first fossil. The interactive exhibits, especially the human evolution display, make you feel like a scientist on a discovery mission. Pro tip: grab tickets online for €7 (free for kids under 4 or seniors over 65) to skip the queues, and start on the left side of the building for the best flow. Oh, and the African elephant in the lobby? It’s been standing tall since 1929, a silent guardian of the museum’s epic story. Bring comfy shoes and a water bottle—you’ll want to linger for hours

I recently visited the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales in Madrid and was genuinely impressed. It’s the kind of place that strikes the right balance — fun and engaging for kids, but just as interesting for adults. There’s also a cafe just nearby to relax afterwards. Everything in the museum is written and explained both in Spanish and English so it’s very tourist-friendly. One of the most striking things is getting to see life-size replicas of animals, from elephants to whales to dinosaurs. You can stare a tiger or a gorilla straight in the face — something you wouldn’t be able to do in the wild without putting yourself in serious danger. It really gives you a sense of their scale and presence. There was a great exhibit on the history of dinosaurs. And one of my favorite parts was a photo exhibition showing animals in funny, human-like poses — funny and cleverly done. The exhibit explained how seeing animals this way can help people empathize with them, which in turn can raise awareness and motivate action to protect their habitats. Thoughtful, while also pretty entertaining. Another interesting part of the museum is an exhibit dedicated to Santiago Ramón y Cajal, the Spanish neuroscientist who won a Nobel Prize for his work on the structure of the nervous system. The way his research is displayed feels almost like peeking into the early days of modern science — delicate drawings, old instruments, and lots of context. You can also see some of his photography - an interest he had on the side. There’s also a beautiful old room that used to be part of a private natural history collection from a former mayor. It still has that “cabinet of curiosities” vibe — dark wood, antique display cases, and a mix of fossils, minerals, and preserved animals. It’s like stepping back in time, and it adds a really charming contrast to the more modern parts of the museum. All in all, it’s a really worthwhile visit — part science, part history, and part wonder. Whether you’re with kids or just feeling curious yourself, there’s a lot to explore and enjoy.

We visited the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales with three kids (ages 16, 13, and 5) and had a great time. The dinosaur section was a favorite, especially for the oldest. The younger girls loved seeing all the different animals. The museum is interesting, easy to walk around, and perfect for families. Definitely recommend if you’re in Madrid with kids!

I really liked this museum! I was in Madrid on a business trip, and I had some time on the last day to do something. I really liked how they told the story of evolution, as well as explained some very important concepts such as co-evolution. They also went into quite some depth. There were English translations of the signs everywhere, although they kind of dissapeared when I reached the geology/fossil building, which I thought was a little sad. Also I saw someone mention the animals being dusty, which I also noticed. But in one of the exhibition rooms they were taking care of this issue! I would highly recommend this place!

Visited this museum on a weekday morning with my 3 and 4 year old kids. They loved it! We arrived not too long after it opened, about 10:30 and there was hardly any line to buy tickets. The facility is very stroller friendly with ramps and good elevators. There were lots of other kids there so I didn't have to worry about my kids being the loud ones. :) On the lowest floor there is a nice bathroom (big enough to take a stroller into) and a small room to eat in with a vending machine. Great outing with the kids!

Great museum with sections of animals, fossils, and mineral examples. Very affordable at $7ish. It’s an easy hour to spend out of the sun while you visit Madrid.

Opening Hours not correct on Website, Google and displays on Museum entrance . We were really looking forward to our visit and had specifically planned to arrive just after 3pm, only to find the Museum being locked up and the Security Guards amazed to see us try to gain entry. Please keep information up to date as we have wasted part of our afternoon and also missed seeing a Museum we would really like to have visited…..

The Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales offers an impressive collection of stuffed animals, including an elephant, lion, and tiger, all beautifully preserved and displayed. The dinosaur fossils were another highlight—fascinating to see up close! Furthermore, there was a stunning photo exhibition showcasing beautiful images of animals, captured with incredible detail (by Tim Flach) The exhibits are well-organized and educational, making it a great place for both kids and adults. The museum has a classic, old-school charm but still feels engaging. Plus, it's very affordable!