National Archaeological Museum

This is a remarkable museum which is very well organized with some amazing and beautiful exhibits. This runs through the evolution of modern humans, to prehistory, to some early civilizations, to Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and European Midieval civilization. This does have an Iberian and generally Western orientation, and seemed to show little about, for instance, Persian or Far Eastern/Asian civilizations. The cost is minimal. The facility is very clean and was not crowded during our visit.

Honestly, this is the best archaeological museum I’ve ever visited! The exhibition is made with great love, and the history is revealed through the prism of Spain - very touching ❤️‍🩹 Unfortunately, the 3rd floor was closed during our visit, but we were still happy. The first two floors took about an hour and a half; the cost is 3€

A relatively small building of it's type but very well presented - four Roman mosaics for example were attached to walls like the artistic masterpieces they are. Very informative videos throughout, and as you queue for tickets, that help put the artefacts in historical context. Totally focused on the Iberian peninsula, plus a bit on ancient Egypt. Nothing from the former Spanish empire, which was a shame as I would like to have seen a central and south American section. Overall though thoroughly recommended and well worth €3!

It is one of my favorite museum and I’ve been here three times. This time, since it’s summer, we are able to enter for free and without queuing. My favorite era of exploration is actually the prehistorical one. As I’m teaching sustainability, that’s part of my focus to discover how climate change affects the prehistoric era. I’m also thrilled to find some really delicate gold piece designs and realized that Princess Laia must have been derived from the statue madame Eche. They also got quite a number of collections on ancient Egyptian burials. Suitable for mummy fans. But…one earring in the souvenir shop sells at a whooping 350 euro + 😱I mean, if it is the only one passed down from the prehistorical era then I’ll buy it. I really will. Anyway, I highly recommend this place!

We visited the National Archaeological Museum during a recent stay in Madrid and were only sorry that we didn't have more time to spend there. You can easily occupy multiple days with its numerous, well documented and installed displays. Beyond the historic facade are modern galleries featuring state of the art exhibitions covering Spain from ancient times well into more recent centuries. Don't miss the lovely garden on your way into the building which includes an underground recreation of the famous Altamira Cave with its prehistoric paintings. Displays inside the Museum include dozens of historic sculptures, hundreds of works in glass and ceramic covering ancient, Islamic as well as Christian periods. There are numerous well installed large architectural fragments as well as world-renowned Medieval gold jewelry. It is impossible to take in everything without repeated trips and visitors do well to study the floor plan and prioritize which displays they wish to see on any given visit. The Museum features a relatively small gift shop considering the vastness of its displays which sadly does not sell catalogues documenting more than a mere fraction of their holdings, but there is an efficient modern cafe with outdoor and indoor seating ideal for taking a refreshment. We look forward to returning next time we're in Madrid!

The museum itself is very good, however it would benefit from more interactive activities and games for children and families. In addition, the staff member scanning the tickets to enter the museum was incredibly rude and surly. She gave a very bad impression, and shouldn’t be in a client facing role.

Madrid National Archaeological Museum was opened in 1867 and moved to its current building in 1895. It has a massive collection from many civilizations around the world. The artifacts from the Stone Age, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Rome, Ancient Greece and Holy Roman Empire are especially fascinating.

One of the best curated history museums I've ever seen. It was so thorough, detailed, and comprehensive, while still being linear, accessible, and fun to experience. I particularly enjoyed the projections at the beginning, and video summaries in each section that summarized what you were about to learn about. My wife & I learned so much about the long term history of Spain, and my father-in-law who taught history and knew a lot about Spain really enjoyed getting the learn more and see so many artifacts in person. I'd say this should be at the top of everyone's list who's visiting Spain and curious about history.

One of the best museums I've ever been to! They did such a good job making collections for each "era" of Spanish history, grouping them into floors and rooms. Each room seamlessly flowed into the other, and the next floor provided a good transition into the next era. Nicely done!

Incredible museum! My wife and I loved it. From prehistoric times to Roman Hispanic era to medieval times

Visited this museum while in Madrid, Spain. It was Sunday around noon. Entry was free. I read the reviews before going, so I was prepared. If there is a fee, it is no more than about $5/€4. There are 3 levels, and you can take photos. I know that is weird, but I asked in case there were certain areas you couldn't. There is really no seating except outside the restrooms. The chairs randomly seen were for the workers. We took an Uber, which drops you off on the corner, so you have to walk back up to the building. The entrance is to the left down the stairs. I would recommend you visit this place. There are some very interesting artifacts and hiatorical items here. Wear comfortable shoes. There is a gift shop on the ground level, nowhere food or snacks in here though. THANKS!

This was a great museum. I had the best time and it free when I went. I recommend tourist go to this museum too along with the Prado and Sofia .

The Museo Arqueologico Museum ( Or MAN) is a Phenomenal Museum! Today was our last day in Madrid, so we had to decide which activity we wanted to do the most. The museum currently has an exhibition on Romania , and my husband is Romanian, so we chose to go. I am so thrilled about this decision, because this museum is incredible. Admission was FREE, and we spent 4 hours there. Photography is allowed. There is a gift store that is open, but the cafe is currently closed. The exhibits are so well done, with a lot of interactive short films. There are three floors in addition to the basement. The museum provides a fascinating history of Pre-historic Time Period, Late Antiquity, The Nile- Egypt and Nubia, Roman Hispania and much more! The temporary exhibit of Romanian Treasures runs through February, 2022 and covers the history of Romania for more than 1000 years. Another plus : Every single description in Spanish AND English

This is Madrid's best kept secret. Most people focus on visiting the big 3 museums when they're here: the Prado, Thyssen, and Reina Sofia. No one really focuses on the Museo Arqueologico (MAN) unless they go looking for it specifically. This place is an absolute steal at just 3 euros per person. Yes that's right, no I didn't forget a 1 in front. 4 large, beautiful and modern floors full to the brim with artifacts and art. This place is simply amazing. I visited 5 museums while I was in Spain and this was by far my favorite. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time. We were here a little under 4 hours and had to rush through the top 2 floors only because we were starving and wanted to go eat. If you are a history buff, the MAN is an absolute must see. Bonus: unlike most other places, they have nice bathrooms here and on each floor!

The Archaeology Museum was beautifully stunning, and a total steal. They have an amazing entry price - only 3 euros - you can't turn that down. The museum has 3 beautiful floors of history, all incredibly clean and in simplistic showrooms. The museum includes many pieces of history, including artifacts from various stages of history from cultures around the globe (Greek, Egyptian, Rome, China, and more!). Some of the coolest things I saw? An ACTUAL SKELETON, as well as the remains of Lucy, the first discovered sapien! It's so empowering finally seeing the reality of things you grew up learning about in middle + high school social studies classes.

I loved this museum and would stay here all day if I could! The museum was quiet and although I know Spanish, all descriptions were in English as well. All around an exceptional museum.

This museum paces east, behind the national library. Upon you entry, you will not notice the ramp on your left, which lead to a underground room. There is a duplication of cave painting from 1000s yr ago. The regular entrance is on the left of main front. A few euro for the ticket. To see all the exhibition, it requires lots, LOTS, of walking forward and upward. There are very few people in a weekday and we really enjoyed our peaceful tour of Spain's 4000 years history. There a many stone exhibit to duplication that you can touch and feel.

This is an incredible museum. The cost 3 euros for the day. Kids under 14 are free but you need a passport or proper identification to prove age. There are 3 floors however they are huge and filled with some of the most interesting items. Don't forget to push the play button on any if the random large screen presentation centers for really cool historical information in animation which engage you. There are also multiple VR stations for you to use and are FREE. The museum starts with the beginning of human kind and moves forward sticking to the country if Spain. I actually think this is one of the hidden gems of Spain. I learned more here about the history of Spain than I did in school. I say check it out.

Great archeological museum. Centrally located in Madrid. Easy walk from my hotel. Nice cross section of artifacts from the different ages. And, it's still only 3 euros!

This place is absolutely fantastic! Great collection of artifacts from human occupation of Iberia, plus a great Egyptian section. Many BEAUTIFUL and historically significant items displayed in a clear and elegant way. Unlike the guy who gave this museum 3 stars, I do like looking at old rocks, and bronze plaques of Roman laws, and mastadon tusks, and huge mosaics, and, and, and... If you like this stuff too, (and I assume anyone going to an archeology museum would,) this place is a must-see. The entrance fee is a bargain and the building is lovely. I love art too, but I'd take this over Prado...but do both if you can

Go see this museum. You will not be disappointed. Have been fortunate to visit dozens of great museums throughout the world and this tops my list. Why? It tells a great story. Unlike the Prado, it's laid out really well and walks you thousands of years of history. The artifacts are amazing(old jewelry, swords, eating utensils, coins, anything you can think of that someone would have left behind).

This is the best €3 I spent in all of Spain. It's a massive collection, expertly curated and displayed. It's a day's worth of walking. Don't miss the mosaic tile room.

Although been currently renewed (at least until 2013), it was essential: prehistory, Egypt, Greece, Rome, pre-Rome hispanic cultures, middle-age, china, pre-Columbian art, etc... A beautiful building in the middle of Madrid for a beautiful collection!!!

One of our favourite museums. Amazingly curated and great accessibility: Braille, a/v info on exhibits in English etc. entry fee is low, and the building is beautiful. Great way to beat the heat and escape the crowd at other museums/galleries as well :)