Museo Nacional de Antropología
State museum of anthropology and ethnography in Madrid, with galleries on the Philippines, Asia, Africa and the Americas in a building from 1875.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The National Museum of Anthropology grew out of the museum that the doctor Pedro González de Velasco opened on 29 April 1875 in a building designed by Francisco de Cubas, which served as both his home and a museum. It opened as the “Museo Anatómico”, although it soon became known as the Museo Antropológico, and it was the first anthropology museum in Spain. After Velasco's death, the State bought the building and the collections in 1887.
In 1910 it was established as an independent museum under the name Museo Nacional de Antropología, Etnografía y Prehistoria. In 1940 it was renamed Museo Nacional de Etnología, and its approach shifted from physical anthropology to social and cultural anthropology. In 1993 it recovered its current name when the Museo Nacional de Etnología and the Museo del Pueblo Español merged; the two separated again in 2004 with the creation of the Museo del Traje.
The collection brings together about 29,000 pieces, of which around 4% is on display. It includes holdings from Asia, Africa and the Americas, Peruvian casta painting, a collection of physical anthropology and the photographic archives of the Comisión Científica del Pacífico. The permanent display is now organised into four galleries: the Philippines, Eastern religions, Africa and the Americas.
Highlights
- Philippines gallery
- Eastern religions gallery
- Africa gallery
- Americas gallery, with pieces such as the Aymara mask
- Peruvian casta painting
- 360° virtual tour of the permanent galleries
Permanent exhibition
- Colección permanente – Four galleries devoted to the Philippines, Eastern religions, Africa and the Americas, with a guide map, audio guide and virtual tour.
- Founded
- 1875
- Operated by
- Ministerio de Cultura
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1.50Accredited cultural volunteers, holders of the Más Renfe card and holders of Renfe high-speed or long-distance tickets (from 48 hours before departure to 48 hours after arrival); 50% discount on general admission. |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission for under-18s, with accreditation at the ticket office. |
| Seniors | freeFree admission for over-65s, with accreditation at the ticket office. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and one companion. |
| Students & apprentices | freeFree admission for students aged 18–25 and holders of the Carné Joven. |
| Groups | –Free-visit groups can have up to 25 people. |
| Families | freeFree admission for members of large families. |
| Annual museum pass | €25 |
| Annual State Museums pass | €36.06 |
| “Museos de la Ciudad” pass (eight museums) | €16Valid for 15 days. |
| “Museos de la Ciudad” pass (four museums) | €8Valid for 10 days. |
Free admission: Free admission on Saturdays from 14:00, all Sundays, and on 18 April, 18 May, 12 October and 6 December.
With accreditation, admission is also free for unemployed people, pensioners, teachers, official guides and practising journalists, donors and cultural volunteers. Some temporary exhibitions are free when their programme says so. Payment is by card at the ticket office.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Accessible side entrance on Calle de Alfonso XII, 68 (you have to ring the bell), and a lift between the floors. Regulations allow a maximum of two wheelchairs in the museum at a time. Induction loop, activated on request at the ticket office. Free electric mobility scooters are available for people with reduced mobility, and there are rest seats on the landings and in the Africa and Americas galleries.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | free · Free admission for members of large families. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Baby changing facilities
The museum is presented as suitable for families, with a section of children's and family activities. The toilets on the first floor have a baby-changing unit and step-free access.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Atocha Renfe
Metro: line 1, Atocha Renfe station. Cercanías: Atocha station. Buses: lines 10, 14, 19, 26, 32, 37, 85, 86 and the circular line. BiciMAD: stations 69, 80 and 81.
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
The museum has no car park, and parking in the area is difficult; the museum recommends the public car park at Atocha station.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
- Coat check
Publications and catalogues are sold at the ticket office. Backpacks, suitcases, umbrellas and other bulky items must be left in the lockers. Eating and drinking are not allowed inside.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (ES) |
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | You may photograph freely with a camera or phone, without flash or tripod. |
| Good to know | The cultural mediation service offers free guided tours with prior booking (reservas.mna@cultura.gob.es) and visits for groups of up to 20 people (visitas.mna@cultura.gob.es). Animals are not admitted, except assistance dogs. |
