National Museum of Natural Sciences

The basics

Located in Madrid’s stately Chamberí district, the National Museum of Natural Sciences houses more than 11 million artifacts, from replica dinosaur bones and hunting tools and invertebrates across continents and ages. Visitors can roam the two museum buildings independently, with or without audio guides, book in-house tours, and participate in fun and educational extracurricular activities.

For a hassle-free visit, book one of the Madrid hop-on hop-off buses that stop outside the museum, or consider a private tour that showcases the museum or provides an itinerary you can customize to allow a visit. Other options include purchasing a Madrid multi-museum pass that provides discounted admission to select city museums.

Things to know before you go

• Plan on spending around 2 hours at the museum.

• Ramps and elevators make the museum fully wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Wheelchairs are available to use if required.

• Bulky bags and backpacks must be stored in the locker room.

• Facilities include restrooms, a shop, and a café.

• Visitors aged 65 or over and children under 4 enter free.

How to get there

Overlooking Madrid’s Paseo de la Castellana, the museum sits just north of the city center and enjoys excellent public transport links. The nearest metro stops are Gregorio Marañón (Lines 7, 10) and Nuevos Ministerios (Lines 6, 8, 10), a roughly 13-minute stroll away. Buses run to the museum from the center every few minutes, including #14, #19, #40, and #147. Drivers will find parking garages around the nearby Calle de Espronceda.

When to get there

The museum opens Tuesday-Sunday year-round but is closed on Jan. 1 and 6, May 1, and Dec. 25. it’s wise to check timings before visiting as they vary. Hours are typically 10am–5pm Tuesday-Friday and 10am–8pm Saturdays-Sunday. During August, the museum generally closes earlier, at 3pm. Visitors peak late morning and early afternoon, and also on weekend evenings, so arrive close to 10am for the quietest experience.

Kids’ activities at the National Museum of Natural Sciences

Family-friendly activities are highly important at the museum, and there's plenty more for kids to enjoy outside of viewing the historical specimens. Consider a spooky overnight camp in the dinosaur hall or sign up little ones for the craft-filled cave-person and dinosaur workshops. Contact the museum directly for details.