Museo de Miniaturas Militares de Jaca

About the museum

The museum grew out of the collection of lead figures that Carlos Royo-Villanova assembled from the 1960s onwards. The figures, almost all at 1:87 scale (about 20 mm tall), were mostly made by the Valencian firm Alymer. With them he formed armies from around the world and from every period, until the collection exceeded 35,000 pieces. Jaca Town Council acquired the collection in 1984 and displayed it in the Fuerte Rapitán.

In August 2003 work began on the new museum, with a modern museographic project, the restoration, inventory and cleaning of all the figures, and the creation of the settings. A group of volunteers from Jaca helped with the restoration. Today the museum is housed in the Ciudadela de Jaca (Castillo de San Pedro), a 16th-century pentagonal fortress managed by the Consorcio del Castillo de San Pedro.

The collection of more than 32,000 figures is displayed in 25 historical settings arranged chronologically, along a winding route from ancient Egypt, classical Greece and the Roman Empire to the Crusades, the Crown of Aragon, the Spanish tercios, the Napoleonic era, the wars of the 20th century and the peace missions of the Spanish Army. Besides the main hall, there is a space with more than 3,500 cork and paper miniatures by Martín Nicolás, another with the prize-winning pieces of the Premios Ejército (Army Awards), and a room dedicated to the Battle of Waterloo, with a diorama of more than 8,000 figures. In 2025 the museum was chosen by National Geographic as the best popular culture museum in Spain.

Highlights

• More than 32,000 lead figures in 25 chronological dioramas
• Waterloo diorama with more than 8,000 figures
• Room with more than 3,500 cork and paper miniatures by Martín Nicolás
• Room of the prize-winning pieces of the Premios Ejército
• Inside the Ciudadela de Jaca, a 16th-century pentagonal fortress

Permanent exhibitions

• Museo de Miniaturas Militares – More than 32,000 lead figures in 25 historical settings, from the ancient civilizations to today's armies.
• Sala «Batalla de Waterloo» – Diorama of 15 m² with more than 8,000 figures representing five key moments of the battle.
• Sala «Martín Nicolás» y sala «Premios Ejército» – More than 3,500 cork and paper miniatures, and a collection of miniatures awarded in the Premios Ejército.

Operated by

Consorcio del Castillo de San Pedro (Ministerio de Defensa, Diputación Provincial de Huesca y Ayuntamiento de Jaca)

Admission & discounts

The “Visita a tu aire” ticket gives access to the Ciudadela and all exhibition spaces, including the museum. Special discounts are available; see the Ciudadela's website.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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

According to a professional accessibility report (TUR4all): level, step-free main entrance with a door at least 78 cm wide, and a lift; wheelchair circulation inside is partial, and the building has several floors. The signs use large lettering.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The “Pequevisitas” are self-guided adventures for families around the Ciudadela and the museum: “Conoce los secretos de la Ciudadela de Jaca” (two challenges) and “Asedio” (Siege), inspired by an episode of the Peninsular War (Guerra de la Independencia), at €2 each, admission not included.

Getting there & parking

The Ciudadela de Jaca is on Avenida del Primer Viernes de Mayo, at the edge of the town.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

The Consortium rents exhibition rooms, the chapel of San Pedro, the bastions and the Pozo courtyard for courses, congresses, exhibitions and cultural events. Information: +34 974 360 443 / +34 630 429 663.

Plan your visit