Museo de Anatomía Comparada de Vertebrados

About the museum

The Museum of Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (MACV) belongs to the Faculty of Biological Sciences of the Complutense University of Madrid. It was created as support material for the practical classes of the former Chair of Vertebrate Zoology, and its collection began to be formed in the 1970s. Its origins go back to specimens acquired in the last decades of the 19th century.

The interest of Professor Francisco Bernis Madrazo in a collection that had already deteriorated, together with the work of teachers and students, drove its development as a museum. With additions over recent decades, it has become one of the most important university collections in Europe in this field.

The holdings exceed 8,000 catalogued pieces, including skeletons, animals preserved in liquid and body coverings such as hair, feathers and scales. The most complete part is that of whole animals, with more than 600 species. The exhibited collection presents hundreds of preparations arranged in thematic routes on locomotion, protection, dentition, nests and eggs, horns and antlers, pathologies and historical pieces; mammals are very well represented, and the primate collection stands out.

The museum is aimed at students of Biology, Veterinary Science and Medicine, but it also serves the general public and primary and secondary school pupils.

Highlights

• Hundreds of vertebrate anatomical preparations on display
• More than 8,000 catalogued pieces and more than 600 species of whole animals
• Primate collection and wide representation of mammals
• Routes on locomotion, dentition, nests and eggs, horns and antlers
• Historical pieces and collections from the 19th century

Permanent exhibition

• Muestra de morfología y anatomía comparadas de vertebrados – Anatomical preparations arranged in routes on locomotion, protection, dentition, nests and eggs, horns and antlers, pathologies and historical collections.

Operated by

Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas)

Admission & discounts

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Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum’s website does not publish accessibility information.

Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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