Museo Naval
About
The Museo Naval in Madrid offers a unique journey through Spain’s maritime legacy. From its origins in a royal decree to its current home on Paseo del Prado, the museum chronicles naval history from the 15th century to the present day. Visitors explore extensive collections of navigation instruments, weapons, maps, and paintings, and can admire iconic artifacts such as a 1500 map of the Americas by Juan de la Cosa, a 1‑gram Moon rock from the Apollo 17 mission, and Ming‑dynasty ceramics recovered from the San Diego shipwreck. The building itself, designed by José Espelius and Francisco Javier de Luque, features a central courtyard roofed in stained glass and a grand staircase that connects to the former Navy headquarters. The museum’s exhibitions contextualise Spain’s naval exploits within the larger narrative of the Spanish Empire, making it an essential stop for history enthusiasts, maritime lovers, and families alike.
Highlights
- Juan de la Cosa Map
- Moon Rock
- Ming Ceramics
Must-See Areas
Good to Know
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At a glance
- Typical visit: about 3 hours