Museo Naval de Madrid
Museum of the Navy beside Cibeles, with free admission, offering a tour of Spain's naval history from the Middle Ages to the present.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum goes back to 28 September 1792, when Antonio Valdés, Secretary of the Navy under Charles IV, promoted a Museo de Marina with a library and scientific collections. The project stalled because of political and military changes and was resumed in 1842; the museum opened provisionally on 19 November 1843 in the Palacio de los Consejos, with Queen Isabella II present.
It later had other seats: the Casa del Platero, on Calle de Bailén, and the Palacio de los Ministros, next to the Senate. In October 1932 it reopened in its present seat, the former Ministry of the Navy, today the Navy's Headquarters, on the Paseo del Prado. Rear Admiral Julio Guillén Tato, director from 1933 to 1972, gave it its form and organisation.
The permanent exhibition traces Spain's naval history in six chronological units, from the sea in the genesis of Spain (13th to 15th centuries) to the recovery of the Navy in the 20th and 21st centuries, with five thematic spaces. Its holdings include the map by Juan de la Cosa of 1500, pieces from the galleon “San Diego”, navigation instruments, weapons, uniforms, flags, portraits and a large collection of ship models.
Highlights
- Map by Juan de la Cosa (1500), the oldest surviving representation of America
- Pieces from the galleon “San Diego”, sunk in the Philippines in 1600
- Collection of ship models
- Navigation instruments, weapons and uniforms
- Portraits by Vicente López and Sorolla
- Free admission
Permanent exhibition
- Exposición permanente: historia naval de España – Chronological tour in six units, from the Late Middle Ages to the present, with five thematic spaces on shipbuilding, trade routes and navigation.
- Founded
- 1792
- Operated by
- Armada Española
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free; a voluntary donation towards maintenance is requested.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Most spaces are accessible to people with reduced mobility. A lift with Braille buttons connects the entrance with the rooms; there is an adapted toilet near the entrance, and a wheelchair is lent at the ticket office (without accompanying staff). The nearest accessible car parks are on Calle de Montalbán, 9, and on Calle de Alfonso XI, 8 and 10.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Banco de España
Metro: Banco de España (line 2). Cercanías: Recoletos (C-1, C-2, C-7, C-8 and C-10). Buses: Plaza de Cibeles stop with lines 1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 14, 15, 20, 27, 34, 37, 45, 51, 52, 53, 74, 146, 150 and 203. BiciMAD: station 86 at Plaza de Cibeles; public bicycle parking on Calle de Montalbán.
By car
Paid parking
Paid car parks on Calle de Montalbán, Plaza del Rey and Plaza de las Cortes.
- Accessible parking
Amenities & dining
- Coat check: not available
There is no cloakroom: backpacks and large bags are not admitted into the rooms. Eating, drinking and smoking are not allowed in the building. There is a reception area.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| Photography | Photography without flash, tripod or selfie stick is permitted. |
| Good to know | Groups book and request information by phone or at reservas_museonaval@fn.mde.es. The museum is inside the Navy's Headquarters, so security protocols must be followed at all times. |
