Museo Histórico Militar de Canarias

About the museum

The museum occupies the Fort of Almeyda, in the Toscal district of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, built after the failed British attack of 1797 led by Nelson, to reinforce the city's northern and western defences. Work began on the site known as Huerta de los Melones, which had already housed artillery batteries in the 17th century, and continued until 1884, when advances in artillery had made the fortification obsolete.

The museum opened to the public on 1 February 1988 and was officially inaugurated on 25 July of that year under the name Museo Militar Regional de Canarias. It belongs to the Ministry of Defence, within the Army.

The exhibition, covering more than 900 m², presents around 1,200 of the almost 3,000 pieces in the collection. The upper floor follows the military history of the Canary Islands chronologically, while the ground floor brings together flags, weapons, decorations, maps, models and dioramas. Among the highlights are the cannon Hércules, cast in Flanders in the 16th century, and two English flags captured in the battle of 1797. The exterior includes vaulted casemates, gardens, historic vehicles and a promenade with anti-aircraft pieces overlooking the harbour.

Highlights

• The Hércules cannon, cast in Flanders in the 16th century
• English flags captured in the battle of 1797
• Chronological tour of the military history of the Canary Islands
• Models and dioramas of military actions
• Vaulted casemates and promenade with anti-aircraft guns

Permanent exhibitions

• Historia militar de Canarias – Chronological tour of the military history of the archipelago on the upper floor, with materials, plans and models of military actions.
• Armamento, banderas y dioramas – Flags, weapons, decorations, maps, models and dioramas on the ground floor.

Founded

1988

Operated by

Ejército de Tierra – Instituto de Historia y Cultura Militar

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

The museum is in the Almeyda barracks, at Calle San Isidro, 2.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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Plan your visit