museums

TEATRO ROMANO – CARTAGENA

The Roman Theatre of Cartagena (Teatro Romano) with the Roman Theatre Museum is one of Spain’s many beautiful and historical places to visit. The discovery and excavation of the Roman Theatre in Cartagena in recent years has been one of the most surprising discoveries of archeology of the city. Its monumental remains have come to certify the important role it played in the history of ancient Hispania. When we contemplate the splendid architecture of the theatre, we wonder how it was ever possible that a monument of this category and dimensions had been hidden for centuries. The recovery of the Roman Theatre in Cartagena, funded by the Foundation Teatro Romano, has provided many benefits for educational and cultural purposes. In addition, the considerable wealth of the pieces found during subsequent excavations at the Theatre has created a new museum space, the “Roman Theatre Museum”. Tel: 968 504 802 teatroromanocartagena.org

ARQUA MUSEUM – CARTAGENA

The National Museum of Underwater Archeology, ARQUA, located by the sea in the port of Cartagena, gives visitors the opportunity to take a journey through history, discovering the different cultures that have populated the Mediterranean. The Museum unveils remains of an underwater cultural heritage that has been carefully protected, excavated and preserved. At ARQUA you will gain knowledge into historical curiosities, all illustrated with a large selection of archaeological materials on display. The objects in the collections come from underwater archaeological excavations covering more than 2,500 years of history, from the 7th to the 20th century. With its modern and architecturally attractive facilities set in an idyllic location, ARQUA joins the new generation museum scene with an exceptional range of activities and services. Tel: 968 121 166 culturaydeporte.gob.es

NAVAL MUSEUM – CARTAGENA

The Naval Museum of Cartagena has recently been transferred to a new headquarters located right on the city’s seafront, in a privileged environment. It is a historic building from the mid-18th century, the former Prisoners and Slaves Barracks, from the work of the military engineer Mateo Vodopich. The Naval Museum of Cartagena preserves collections of a unique and varied nature, linked to different fields and disciplines of naval history: shipbuilding and arsenals, nautical sciences, artillery, mine warfare, uniforms and flags, music, painting, submarines, diving, history of the building and aspects related to the Navy today. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 9am-2pm and Saturadys from 10am-2pm. Entrance is free. Tel: 968 127 138 fundacionmuseonaval.com

MILITARY MUSEUM – CARTAGENA

The Military Museum located in the heart of Cartagena, of the Murcia Region, is a beautiful building formed by four pavilions and a central courtyard. The museum which opened in 1997, is distributed in several rooms over two floors, covering the history of the different aspects from the army, focusing especially on artillery weapons. There is a particularly fascinating collection of miniature model figures and vehicles. This museum is an ideal place to visit for children, being educational and fun at the same time. Some of the tanks have steps on the side to climb up and take a peek inside! Entrance to the museum is free, and with a 15 minute walk down to the seafront, you could pack a picnic and enjoy a fantastic day out in Cartagena! Museum opening times are Monday to Saturday 9am-1:30pm. Plaza General López Pinto, s/n, 30201 Cartagena, Murcia. For free guided tours in English or French call Tony on 634 338 817 or email tonyfullerresearch@gmail.com

MUSEO DE LA CIUDAD – MURCIA

The Museo de la Ciudad, or City Museum, is conveniently located right in the heart of Murcia City Centre. Once inside this beautiful period building, you will be taken on a journey through the Murcian cultural heritage, discovering its history, arts and crafts. Along with the guided tours of the museum, they also hold regular temporary exhibitions, workshops and concerts. At the back of the Museo de la Ciudad there is a small courtyard and garden inspired by the Moorish tradition. In the summer months this space is turned into an atmospheric area for events to take place. Tel: 968 274 390 museodelaciudad.murcia.es

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM – MURCIA

The Archaeological Museum of Murcia (known as MAM – Museo Arqueológico de Murcia) within its beautiful building, is not only a historical landmark of Murcia, but also an institution with a long history in the conservation of archaeological and artistic heritage. Housing notable collections from various archaeological sites in the Murcia region, the museum consists of sixteen fascinating rooms. On the ground floor, you will take a walk through prehistory from the Paleolithic period to the Bronze Age. The first floor takes you on a discovery back to the Ancient and Middle Ages, from the Iberians to the end of the Visigothic period. Tel: 968 234 602 museosregiondemurcia.es

SCIENCE & WATER MUSEUM – MURCIA

Founded in 1996, the Science & Water Museum known as Museo de la Ciencia y el Agua, is situated in the heart of Murcia City Centre, close to other popular local places of interest. The museum is a public institution devoted to promote scientific knowledge among the general public in a fun and interactive way. The Museo de la Ciencia y el Agua makes an ideal and educational visit for families with children, with one of the highlights being The Planetarium shows. Other spaces of the museum include The Water Hall, The Exhibition Hall, and The Diccover & Imagine Hall which is specifically designed for play learning, where smaller children can explore and have fun. Tel: 968 211 998 cienciayagua.org

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS – MURCIA

The Museum of Fine Arts, also known as MUBAM – Museo de Bellas Artes de Murcia, is located on the old side of the Trinidad Convent, in the Santa Eulalia neighborhood. The building was inaugurated in 1910, and after several renovations it now holds two amazing spaces; The Cerdan Pavilion for the museums permanent collection (19th to 20th century paintings), and the Contrast Pavilion for temporary exhibitions. The Museum of Fine Arts in Murcia is one of the most deeply rooted institutions in the Murcia region. Its origin is linked to the Provincial Commission of Murcian Monuments (1844). From their great work in the preservation and conservation of heritage, the Provincial Museum of Painting & Sculpture was established in 1864. Tel: 968 239 346 museosregiondemurcia.es

SANTA CLARA MUSEUM – MURCIA

The Santa Clara Museum is located in the heart of Murcia city centre and occupies the north wing of the Santa Clara Convent. The enchanting architectural complex has gone from being a palatial residence for Islamic nobility during the 12th and 13th centuries to a religious building and convent since the 14th century. A visit to the Santa Clara Museum gives you an insight into the reserved and remote world of a convent, while admiring historical examples of the Islamic art and architecture of Murcia. Tel: 968 272 398 museosregiondemurcia.es

LOS BAÑOS ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

The Museo Arqueologico Los Baños is located in the historical town of Alhama de Murcia, and is an archaeological museum designed to preserve and protect the remains of the Roman Baths of Alhama de Murcia. The museums restoration and development has played an important role into the study of hydrotherapy and architecture through different stages of history. As you walk around the museum and its grounds, you are immersed in history through the splendid architecture, water feature gardens, the Roman rooms and their reuse in the Islamic and Christian periods, and you will discover the remains of the 19th century spa hotel. Tel: 968 630 776 museoalhamademurcia.es

JUMILLA WINE MUSEUM

A new and unique way of experiencing wine in Jumilla, where past and present become one. The museum has the second best exhibition at the national level catalogued in terms of pieces related to viticulture and oenology, a unique museum in Jumilla. Open to the public since September 2018, with a surface area of 1,500 m2, this museum is prestigiously located in the heart of the Regional Park of the Sierra del Carche. It houses the great history of the wine culture of Jumilla, a tour that chronologically, collects each and every one of the tasks and works related to the vine and wine. This way you can appreciate the land and the field, the harvest stage, the entry of the grapes into the winery, the cooperage work, the conservation and the laboratory, all of them necessary to understand the great work that was done and is done to produce the wine from the grape of Jumilla excellence such as La Monastrell. It is always necessary to plan your visit in advance. For more information and reservations: info@esenciawines.com Tel: +34 600 479 005 (Whatsapp available) museodelvinojumilla.com

CIMAR AQUARIUM – ÁGUILAS

The CIMAR (Centro de Interpretacion del Mar) and Aquarium in Águilas gives an interesting insight into the town of Águilas and its marine life that exists in this part of the Mediterranean. A full visit to CIMAR takes about an hour, making it an ideal place to take children as its educational as well as entertaining. The CIMAR consists of three visiting areas; a nineteen metre fishing boat providing a historical tour of fishing life in Águilas, the Aquarium which houses a variety of local marine species and tropical fish, and a museum style area. The exhibition room contains an extraordinary collection of shells which is said to be one of the largest seashell collections in Europe. Opening times are Tuesday to Thursday 10:30am-1pm & 4pm-6pm with free entrance. Address: Centro de Interpretacion del Mar-Aquarium, Av. Dr. Barnard, 413, 30880 Águilas.

SIYASA MUSEUM – CIEZA