National Museum of Anthropology in Madrid

Updated on October 9, 2026

The National Museum of Anthropology occupies a small neoclassical building on calle de Alfonso XII, a few minutes from Atocha station and the Botanical Garden. It displays objects, masks, clothing and instruments from peoples of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas, as well as from Spain itself. On the pediment you can read the Latin motto "Nosce te ipsum" ("Know thyself"). Admission is very cheap, which makes it a visit of under two hours that is easy to add to a day in the Prado district. The museum is presented as one of the oldest of its kind in Spain; its collections are being reorganised and the displays change: find out which rooms are open before you come.

Highlights

The building

A neoclassical building with Ionic columns, set back from the avenue and surrounded by trees. It is smaller than the big neighbouring museums, which makes the visit calmer.

"Nosce te ipsum"

The motto carved beneath the pediment, where the sculpted head of a female figure rises above the columns, announces the museum's subject: the study of human beings. You can see it from the street, before going in.

The entrance steps

The steps lead to the main entrance, often hung with the banner of the current exhibition. Temporary exhibitions change regularly.

The collections

Everyday objects, masks, textiles, musical instruments and ritual works from several continents, as well as pieces linked to medicine and anatomy. The rooms and pieces on show vary: check the plan at the entrance.

Practical info

Tips

The general ticket costs €3 (€1.50 reduced rate: students, seniors, large families); admission is free for under-18s and jobseekers, every Sunday, on Saturdays from 2pm and on 18 April, 18 May, 12 October and 6 December (prices taken from secondary sources in October 2026: confirm at the ticket desk). Allow an hour to an hour and a half. The visit combines well with the Royal Botanical Garden, the Cuesta de Moyano and the Paseo del Arte; for food, see where to eat near the Prado. Also read: the Museum of the Americas.

How to get there

Calle de Alfonso XII, 68, 28014 Madrid: Metro Atocha Renfe (line: 1) or Menéndez Pelayo (line: 1); Cercanías Atocha Bus: several lines serve calle de Alfonso XII; see the city's journey planner BiciMAD: stations near Atocha