Geomineral Museum (Museo Geominero)

The basics

Enter for free and take a self-guided tour to trace the geological evolution of the planet. The collections of fossils, minerals, and rocks hail from Spain, the Philippines, Cuba, the Western Sahara, and other locations, and are shown in traditional glass-enclosed cabinets. See everything from natural rubies and ancient fossilized vertebrates, many of them collected by important figures in the geological and paleontology worlds. Must-sees include a tyrannosaurus rex skull, perfect pyrite cubes, and sparkling crystals.

Things to know before you go

• The Geomineral Museum is a must for geology, paleontology, mineralogy, history, and architecture buffs.

• Most exhibit information is in Spanish, although some is in English.

• There are on-site facilities for visitors with reduced mobility. For more information, contact the museum directly.

• As the museum is part-research establishment, some areas are closed to the public.

• Admission is free, but it’s best to bring a photo ID like a passport as it may be required at the door.

How to get there

The Geomineral Museum stands at 23, Calle de Rios Rosas in Madrid’s Chamberi neighborhood. The nearest metro station is Risa Rosas on Line 1, which is around a 3-minute walk from the entrance. Buses 3 from Puerta del Sol, and 45 from Atocha Railway Station run to Calle de Rios Rosas. Several payable parking garages are near the museum.

When to get there

The museum is open Monday through Sunday from morning until mid-afternoon but is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. As it closes in the early afternoon, arrive in plenty of time to do your exploring. Due to its specialist nature, the museum is typically fairly quiet.

Architectural highlights at the Geomineral Museum

Exhibits aside, the Geomineral Museum boasts another highlight—its beaux-arts architecture. Designed by 20th-century architect Francisco Javier de Luque, its handsome exterior gives way to a grand foyer centered on a column-flanked staircase. Further inside, the building’s crowning glory is revealed: a stunning stained glass roof that beautifully illuminates the main hall and cabinet-filled balconies above it.