Museo Arqueológico

The MAN, which holds one of the largest collections of antiquities in the world, has just reopened after a comprehensive reform that lasted six years. Through utensils, tools and works of art of different cultures of the Mediterranean, you make a journey from prehistory to the nineteenth century. Located in the Barrio de Salamanca, it covers a number of chapters in the universal history of art which is represented in the major museums of the nearby Paseo del Arte, like Greek ceramics, or visigoth crowns or Hispanic-Arabic ivory pieces. From now on, the wonderful works housed in this institution, founded in 1867, will be shown in accordance with a new museum plan that gives much more importance to the archaeological value of the pieces than to their artistic value, and it will be complete with videos, information boards, models and exhibitors with replicas of the original objects that can be touched. La Dama de Elche But in the new MAN The Lady of Elche continues to occupy a privileged place. When compared with other Iberian works, it is surprising the proportion and balance of her face, indicating a strong influence of Greek art. However the beads and tunic are clearly local and are a perfect example of an Iberian outfit. Contrary to what had been thought, some historians suggest that it was a full-length seated sculpture that was converted into a bust.

Museo Arqueológico Nacional

• Calle Serrano, 13
• (34) 91 577 79 12
• Tue-Sat 09: 30-20: 00 h.Sundays and holidays 09: 30-15: 00 h.