Museo Histórico Militar de Cartagena

About the museum

The museum is housed in the former Real Parque y Maestranza de Artillería in Cartagena, a military building erected between 1777 and 1786 on the orders of Charles III to a design by the engineer Mateo Vodopich. After damage during the Cantonal Rebellion of 1873–1874, much of the complex was demolished; today the museum occupies only part of it, and another part is used by the Municipal Archive.

The site housed various artillery units from the late 18th century until 1996, when the last regiment, an anti-aircraft artillery unit, left the building. The museum opened on 11 June 1997 as a delegated section of the Museo Militar Regional de Sevilla and is under the Army's Institute of Military History and Culture.

The collection focuses on the coastal and anti-aircraft artillery that defended the city, its port and its naval base. It brings together field, coastal, anti-tank, anti-aircraft and mountain pieces, ammunition, aiming and rangefinding instruments, uniforms and models of the area around Cartagena, with audiovisual material on the city's wartime episodes. A collection of miniature tanks and military vehicles, recognised with Guinness World Records, is also a highlight.

Highlights

• Coastal and anti-aircraft artillery that defended Cartagena
• Large collection of cannons, howitzers and ammunition
• Miniature tanks and military vehicles, with Guinness records
• Models of the Cartagena area with audiovisual material
• 18th-century building of the Real Parque de Artillería

Permanent exhibitions

• Colección de artillería y munición – Field, coastal, anti-tank, anti-aircraft and mountain artillery pieces, with ammunition, aiming instruments, uniforms and models.
• Colección de miniaturas militares – Miniature tanks and military vehicles, recognised with Guinness records for the number of pieces on display.

Founded

1997

Operated by

Ejército de Tierra – Instituto de Historia y Cultura Militar

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission.

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 Región de Murcia tourism listing classifies it as an establishment adapted for people with disabilities; the museum's website offers no further details.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is next to the Plaza de la Puerta de la Serreta, in the former Real Parque y Maestranza de Artillería.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit