History Museums
Natural History Museum (Museo de Ciencias Naturales)
This museum conducts activities with the aim of promoting a greater awareness of the diversity of the natural world. It has over 6 million specimens in its collections, and this makes it one of the main reference centres for not only Spanish fauna, but also that of other Mediterranean areas. It also has interesting permanent exhibits, such as the one devoted to the history of the earth and life, in which spectacular specimens can be viewed, such as the replica of a Diplodocus; the Stone Garden, an open-air ensemble of rocks and petrified tree trunks; Mediterranean, nature and civilisation, in which the ecosystems and fauna of this area are shown; and the Royal Museum, which offers a journey back through time via collections with centuries of history.
Free: children under 4 years
Calle José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2 28006 Madrid
Tel: 91 411 1328
Museo del Ferrocarril (Railway Museum)
The train museum has engines for kids to climb on, a working mini steam train (Saturdays only), and more. Housed in an old train station close to the the Delicias metro stop. A small (and free) science museum is located next door.
Entry: Free
Paseo de las Delicias, 61, 28045 Madrid
Call in advance to confirm opening times. Closed in August.
Tel: 902 22 88 22
Casa de la Moneda (Royal Spanish Mint)
Guides (Cultural Volunteers) available free of charge, by appointment. Entrances are wheelchair-accessible. Members of the public will be able to strike a medal during their visit. Please ask at the Information Desk.
Entry: Free
Calle del Doctor Esquerdo nº 36 - 28009 Madrid
Bus: Lines 2, 28, 30, 56, 71, 143
Metro: O'Donnell and Goya
Tel: 91 566 6544
Biblioteca Nacional (National Library)
The largest public library in Spain. It is located in Madrid near the Paseo de Recoletos. The Madrid premises are shared with the National Archaeological Museum.
Paseo de Recoletos 20-22, 28071 Madrid (Spain)
Metro: Colón and Serrano
Information about Exhibitions Tel: 91 580 7894
Information and Children's Activities Tel: 91 516 9867
Museo de America
Avenida Reyes Católicos 6 28040 Madrid
Tel: 91 543 9437 / 91 549 2641
Museo del Traje
For fashion enthusiasts this is a wonderful museum to visit. Learn all about the history of fashion through the ages. Guided tours available. Adhoc workshops are held throughout the year.
Avenida Juan de Herrera 2, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid
Metro: Moncloa and Ciudad Universitaria
Tel: 91 550 4700
Museo Casa Natal de Cervantes (Alcalá de Henares)
The Cervantes Birthplace Museum is a monographic museum owned and run by the Autonomous Region of Madrid, and housed in the building where, the scholars tell us, the writer was born. It brings to life the various areas of an affluent household during the 16th and 17th centuries, recreating an environment intended to provide visitors to the rooms with a sense of the former residents as they went about their daily lives. In recent years, the number of visitors has increased to an average of 150,000 per year. The most significant growth was recorded in 2005, with a total of 211,164 visitors.
Accessibility. The museum is being equipped with resources to improve accessibility for different collectives, most notably the blind or visually impaired thanks to a cooperation agreement between the ONCE (National Organisation of Spanish Blind People) and the Regional Ministry for Culture and Tourism of Madrid.
C/ Mayor, 48 28801 Alcalá de Henares
Tel: 91 889 96 54
Teatro Real
Get to know this magnificant building which despite all it's trials and tribulations is still here today. The Teatro Real opens its doors to the public at weekends with a series of activities tours.
Pl. Oriente s/n Madrid
When: Saturdays, Sundays and bank hols: 11:00am to 13.00pm
Tel: 91 516 0660
