At the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, fossils, dinosaur displays and specimens from the natural world bring science to life in Madrid’s Chamartín district. The museum has two sections, with exhibits that connect scientific ideas to the planet’s biodiversity and its animals and plants. Interactive displays give younger visitors ways to engage, while the fossil collection and galleries on evolution and biodiversity reward a slower visit. The institution has been part of Spain’s scientific research landscape since the 18th century.
A museum for natural history
The Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales is in Chamartín, at C. de José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2. Its collections cover the natural world, including animals and plants, and the museum presents scientific information alongside its specimens.
The institution dates back to the 18th century and is part of Spain’s National Research Council, known as CSIC. Its work includes promoting knowledge of the planet’s biological diversity.
Collections and route
The museum is divided into two sections. Begin at the entrance on the far left, a suggested way to follow the layout. Fossils and dinosaurs draw attention in one part of the collection, while galleries on evolution and biodiversity offer more context on how life on Earth is understood.
Interactive displays help make the material accessible to different ages. Allow time to move through the exhibits at a comfortable pace, and wear shoes suited to a lengthy visit.
Häufige Fragen
When is the museum open?
It is open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00 and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00. It is closed on Monday.
Is there free entry?
Entry is free on Sundays from 17:00 to 20:00. The standard entry fee is listed as €7.
How do you avoid the entrance queue?
Buy tickets online before you go. Starting at the entrance on the far left can also help you follow the route through the museum.
