National Museum of Natural History Museum

Address: Calle José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain

Website: https://www.mncn.csic.es/

Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-3pm, closed Mondays (check site for current hours)

Admission: Free admission

The National Museum of Natural History (Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales) in Madrid is Spain’s principal national natural history museum, with major collections in zoology, paleontology, botany and geology. The institution presents public exhibits alongside extensive research collections and scientific staff.

Exhibitions include mounted animal specimens, fossil displays, botanical exhibits and geological specimens, together illustrating biodiversity, Earth history and natural science research. Temporary exhibitions and educational programming complement the permanent displays.

The museum was established in the 18th century as part of Spain’s royal scientific institutions and has developed over time into a national research and exhibition centre for the natural sciences. Its collections underpin ongoing taxonomic and paleontological research.

The museum is located in Madrid’s northern central area near the Paseo de la Castellana and the city’s university and research districts, accessible from central Madrid by public transport.

• History: The museum traces its institutional origins to the 18th century and contains both public exhibits and large scientific collections used for research.

What to See#

• Zoology and Paleontology galleries: Contains extensive zoology and paleontology collections, including mounted specimens and fossil displays that illustrate the evolution and diversity of species.
• Botany and Geology departments: Houses botanical and geological collections used for research and public displays on plant diversity and mineralogy.

The Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (National Museum of Natural History) is located on Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid. The nearest metro is Gregorio Marañón (Lines 7 and 10), a short walk from the museum; several city bus lines also serve the Castellana avenue, providing frequent stops within a minute or two on foot.

• Time your visit for weekday mornings when school groups are less likely to be present; the dinosaur and mineral displays can be busiest later in the day.
• Check the museum's temporary-exhibition schedule before you go-permanent galleries are free to enter but special exhibitions and planetarium/film programs may need separate tickets and advance booking.