Naval Museum, Madrid
The Naval Museum (Museo Naval) reflects the history of the Spanish navy and is managed by the Defense Ministry. The collection contains paintings, coins, navigation instruments and weapons and of course, hundreds of recreations of military and merchant ships.
The Naval Museum was provisionally inaugurated in the Palacio de los Consejos (Palace of the Councils) on 19 November 1843 by Queen Isabel II of Spain. Since it opened to the public, it has been housed in several buildings in Madrid. It is currently located in the Paseo del Prado, very close to the Madrid Stock Exchange.
The exhibitions
Although it might seem small at first, the Museum is very large and has twenty-four halls, which are all in chronological order with objects from the fifteenth century to the present day.
Among the most unusual objects are a universal astrolabe, a sundial, bronze cannons and a map from the year 1500. Each hall is dedicated to a key moment in Spanish naval history, such as the discovery of America, or the Battle of Trafalgar.
For both adults and children
If you are interested in history, boats, naval battles and weapons from different parts of the world, you will greatly enjoy visiting this museum. It is also a great place to go with children.
For more information, check out their official website:
Schedule
From Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am – 7 pm.
August: from Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am – 3 pm
Monday: closed
January 1st and 6th: closed.
May 1st: closed
July 16th: closed
December 24th, 25th and 31st
Price
Free entry.
A €3 donation is suggested for the maintenance of the museum.
Transport
Metro: Banco de España, line 2
Bus: 1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 14, 20, 27, 34, 37, 51, 52, 53, 74 146, 150, and 203
Nearby places
Cibeles Palace (180 m) Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (208 m) Plaza de Cibeles (230 m) Neptune Fountain (245 m) Círculo de Bellas Artes (337 m)
