National Museum of Roman Art Mérida
Discover Mérida's Roman past through stunning mosaics, sculptures, and artifacts in a breathtaking modern architectural space.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Free admission!
National Museum of Roman Art Mérida
Best Time
Free admission!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Mérida's Roman past through stunning mosaics, sculptures, and artifacts in a breathtaking modern architectural space.
"Fantastic museum, one of the most expensive collections of Roman artifacts. Outstanding!!!"
Free Entry Alert! :money_with_wings:
Enjoy free admission on Saturday afternoons and all day Sunday. Perfect for budget travelers!
Allocate Plenty of Time :stopwatch:
With three levels of exhibits, you'll need hours to truly appreciate the vast collection.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stunning Roman Mosaics
All levels
Marvel at the sheer scale and intricate detail of these ancient floor artworks. Truly breathtaking!
Emperor's Collection
Sculpture galleries
Discover impressive sculptures and busts that bring Roman emperors and figures to life.
Everyday Roman Life Artifacts
Various exhibits
See coins, weapons, and amphorae that offer a glimpse into daily life during the Roman Empire.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry on Weekends!
Allow Ample Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry Alert! :money_with_wings:
Enjoy free admission on Saturday afternoons and all day Sunday. Perfect for budget travelers!
Allocate Plenty of Time :stopwatch:
With three levels of exhibits, you'll need hours to truly appreciate the vast collection.
Look for English Translations :flag_gb:
Some explanations may be in Spanish or poorly translated; try to find English signage where available.
Appreciate the Architecture :building_construction:
The museum building itself is a modern architectural marvel, worth admiring.
Little Details I Found During My Visit to Augusta Emerita - Spain. (READ CAPTIONS)
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry Alert! :money_with_wings:
Enjoy free admission on Saturday afternoons and all day Sunday. Perfect for budget travelers!
Allocate Plenty of Time :stopwatch:
With three levels of exhibits, you'll need hours to truly appreciate the vast collection.
Look for English Translations :flag_gb:
Some explanations may be in Spanish or poorly translated; try to find English signage where available.
Appreciate the Architecture :building_construction:
The museum building itself is a modern architectural marvel, worth admiring.
Focus on Mosaics & Coins :gem:
Many visitors rave about the incredible Roman coins and massive, fantastic mosaics.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the National Museum of Roman Art Mérida for its vast and impressive collection of Roman artifacts, particularly the stunning mosaics and sculptures. The modern architecture of the building itself is also a highlight, offering a grand setting for the exhibits. While some note minor issues with English translations, the overall experience is considered outstanding and highly recommended, especially with free entry on weekends.
"A beautiful museum, with an uncluttered view of a great number of Roman sculptures and other artifacts. The pieces are well preserved and tastefully displayed on well-separated plinths. The museum has a modern architecture, with exposed brick surfaces and internal archs, reminiscent of Roman buildings. The museum, a creation of architect Rafael Moneo, was opened in September 1986."
Hector Calabia
"We did not know that this beautiful museum has so many cool artifacts and mosaiques and statues and roman coins and amphoras and some weapons. I really enjoyed the Roman coins and mosaiques the most. Some of them are sooooo huge and fantastic. They have 3 niveaus where you can walk for hours and that you will get overwhelmed by everything you see. 10 stars."
S “Coincollecter” B
"It is a MUST. And it is FREE. Don't miss it - beautiful building, unvaluable learning. Beautifully preserved. Recommend visiting it before exploring the city - it all will make (more) sense."
Ana
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in Mérida, making it easily accessible on foot from most accommodations. If arriving by car, there are parking options nearby. Public transport within Mérida is limited, but the museum is a short walk from the main Roman sites like the theatre and amphitheater.
Mérida is a popular day trip destination, especially from nearby cities like Cáceres. It's well-connected by road and rail, making it feasible for a day visit to explore its Roman heritage.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary seasonally.
General admission is usually around 3€. However, a significant perk is that entry is free on Saturday afternoons and all day on Sundays, making it a fantastic budget-friendly option.
While not always necessary due to free weekend entry and reasonable prices, checking the museum's official website for online ticket purchase options is recommended, especially for weekday visits to potentially skip lines.
Besides the free entry on Saturday afternoons and Sundays, inquire about potential discounts for students, seniors, or groups if applicable.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the vast and incredibly detailed Roman mosaics, the impressive collection of Roman sculptures and busts, and the artifacts like coins, amphorae, and weapons that showcase daily life.
Visitors recommend allocating at least 2-3 hours, or even longer, to fully appreciate the three levels of exhibits. You can easily get lost in the history!
Yes, the museum can be engaging for children, especially with its large artifacts and visually striking mosaics. However, the depth of historical information might be more suited for older children or those with an interest in history.
The museum is known for its spacious, modern design with large open areas, suggesting good accessibility. It's advisable to confirm specific accessibility features with the museum directly if needed.
The museum itself is a significant piece of modern architecture, designed by Rafael Moneo, featuring grand, open spaces that complement the ancient artifacts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Typically, large museums do not have extensive dining facilities. It's best to plan for meals at the numerous restaurants and tapas bars located just outside the museum in Mérida's city center.
Mérida, and Extremadura in general, is renowned for its excellent cuisine, particularly its pork dishes and the world-famous Iberian ham.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed inside the museum, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artifacts. Always check for specific signage regarding photography rules.
The grand mosaics, the imposing Roman sculptures, and the museum's striking modern architecture offer excellent photo opportunities. Capture the scale of the mosaics and the detail in the sculptures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan for a visit that allows for breaks, as three levels can be a lot for little legs. The museum's spacious design is a plus for navigating with strollers. Remember that free entry on weekend afternoons is a great way to make the visit more budget-friendly for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring Mérida's other free Roman sites, like walking around the amphitheater and theatre exteriors, to create a full day of historical exploration without breaking the bank. Pack your own snacks and water to save on additional costs.
🏛️ History Buffs
While the museum is excellent, history buffs might want to supplement their visit by researching the specific historical context of Mérida or brushing up on Spanish to better understand all the exhibit details, as English translations can be inconsistent.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel
Visitors often remark on how the gorgeous building and massive open spaces enhance the viewing experience, providing ample room to admire even the largest pieces. The museum's design is a testament to how contemporary architecture can respectfully house and present historical artifacts, making it a destination for both art and architecture enthusiasts.
Unearthing Roman Mérida
The museum's three levels are meticulously organized to guide visitors through different aspects of Roman life. You'll find everything from intricate mosaics that once adorned the floors of wealthy villas, to sculptures of emperors and deities, and everyday objects like coins, pottery, and tools. The sheer volume and quality of these finds underscore Mérida's historical significance as a major Roman provincial capital.
Navigating the Collection
While the collection is vast, some visitors note that the amount of English explanation could be improved, with some translations being less than perfect. This means that while the visual experience is universally impressive, deeper historical context might require some prior knowledge or the use of translation apps. Despite this, the sheer quantity of amazing frescoes, sculptures, and grave goods makes it a highly rewarding visit for anyone curious about the Roman world.
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