Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria image

Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria

Tourist attraction Archaeological museum

One of the Best Places To Visits in Santander


Address

C. Bailén, s/n, 39004 Santander, Cantabria, Spain

Website

www.museosdecantabria.es

Contact

+34 942 20 99 22

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (2.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 am to 2 pm, 5 to 8 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am to 2 pm, 5 to 8 pm
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 2 pm, 5 to 7:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 2 pm, 5 to 7:30 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 2 pm, 5 to 7:30 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 2 pm, 5 to 7:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (23) visit (8) English (7) interactive (6) history (6) staff (6) Cantabria (6) exhibits (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Salome B. 4 years ago on Google
    The museum is underground. Content is provided in Spanish, English and French. Lots of flint stones and information on cavemen and cave ladies. Enjoyed the videos of archeologists showing you how the stone tools were used and how they were made. They’ve tried hard. Not the most modern of facilities but it was a nice learning experience.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carmen J. 6 years ago on Google
    This is such an inspiring museum, one of the best of its kind that I've personally visited. As a student that is studying heritage conservation, I am amazed by how well of an interpretation this museum offers. It is absolutely a highlight of my visit to Santander. Design details. Most info is presented in three languages (Spanish, English, and partially French). Explanation boards are tilted to fit human versions, and low enough for children. Well designed visitor flow in chronological order. The use of technology serves its educational function well. The digital screens which shoulder the responsibilities of presenting are highly interactive and engaging. Rather than simply displays, it involves games, animations, sound, scene replications and beyond. I highly recommend families to visit this museum, as it will greatly spark children's curiosities on archaeology, anthropology as well as history. (While visiting, there was a museum interpreter working on site showing a group of school kids around, he is very good and friendly(speaks Spanish/English), highly recommend on booking a tour). There is much more to say about this wonderful museum, but nothing explains better than one visiting by its own.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Howard N H. 8 months ago on Google
    Fantastic museum that takes you through from prehistoric monolithic to medieval times. Well worth the admission price, which for a senior is €1. Standard admission is €3 which again for what you are getting is excellent value. Check opening days and hours before you go.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Αλεξανδρα �. 1 year ago on Google
    Just wow! They exhibit the prehistoric life in an amazing way! They start thousands years BC and they guide you through the evolution of the world up till today.. I will just say wow..
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Henrietta G. 1 year ago on Google
    We went with a guided tour which are at specific times and free. The guide gives a very detailed and well explained (in spanish) also tours in English and French. Lots of interesting artefacts and information. The tour is an hour and very well presented.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nathaniel B. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a very well put together museum that let's you walk through time via dedicated alleys. It's easy to take the wrong turn and skip a few millenia. The attention to detail is top tier, the place is immaculate, language friendly, and with helpful staff. Umbrellas and backpacks need to be left at the entrance, where dedicated lockers are available.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ben U. 10 months ago on Google
    Superb modern museum with excellent presentation & a great blend of information for all levels of interest. The archaeology & anthropology of Cantabria is traced from the Palaeolithic onwards in a well-paced & considered way, with interactive exhibits for kids. An absolute bargain! Very highly recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 S H. 10 months ago on Google
    Well presented museum with English signage. Many interactive displays, all in working order (kind of uncommon in smaller museums, sadly). €4 entrance fee. Spent probably 90 minutes there. Pairs nicely with a visit to one of Cantabria's cave sites.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David C. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent museum with really good information about the history of the area. Good interactive displays for children as well as written and audio information in both french and English. Very very impressed with everything about this museum, great staff and great value for money an absolute must visit if interested in the history of the area and indeed Europe.

  • 5/5 Nicola U. 8 months ago on Google
    A really fantastic museum - the interactive displays (in a range of languages) are clear, helpful and informative. It has lots for children too and little interactive quizzes. The amount of stunning artefacts is incredible. We visited after going to the Cuevas de Castillo and it was really relevant. I thought 4 euros was excellent value (although I think it’s free on Sunday afternoons). Amazing!

  • 4/5 Monserrate M. 8 months ago on Google
    A good lesson on archaeology of the Cantabria region based on the Altamira and Garma cave complexes.

  • 5/5 Helena S. 8 months ago on Google
    Best museum. Was so impressed with their exhibits. Dont leave Santander without a visit. you wont be disappointed

  • 5/5 Alexandru N. 8 months ago on Google
    The Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria is an absolute must-visit for anyone interested in these fascinating fields. As soon as you enter, you are transported back in time through exhibitions spanning the Paleolithic to Iron Age. The impressive collection boasts artifacts like cave paintings, tools, weapons, jewelry, and more that provide insight into the lives of Cantabria's early inhabitants. What really brings the exhibits to life are the informative plaques detailing the significance and context of each item along with vivid multimedia displays. The museum outlines the region's rich archaeological heritage in an engaging, easy-to-understand manner. The expansive grounds also include partial reproductions of ancient caves and tombs for an immersive experience. Whether you're a scholar, student, or simply intrigued by history, the sheer breadth and quality of the museum's contents will leave you wondering. The care taken in curating and presenting Cantabria's prehistoric treasures is evident. Don't miss the chance to visit this first-class cultural institution that so thoroughly honors the region's past.

  • 5/5 Elvis P. 1 year ago on Google
    Not an expert of such museum types, but found an interesting atmosphere, friendly and devoted staff, dedicated to give you a comprehensive description of all the ages covered in there for the Cantabria region. Satisfied, Recomended.

  • 5/5 John Felipe B. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a great museum, this is a real museum. A well organised exhibition, acknowledged staff, able to explain and guide you through the visit. There are virtual reality glasses at the beginning or the exhibition to explain how it was painted everything and beautifully explained. It met all of my expectations and went beyond them.

  • 5/5 Richard G. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best museums we have been to - and we go to a lot!! Prehistory is our passion and this place delivered so well. Whether for kids or adults, those with no knowledge or those with a background in the subject - the exhibits were well explained and set out beautifully. Good level of interaction and good having language buttons for us tourists! Only criticism is a bit more light needed on the incised bones - our older eyes couldnt read the labels! Great videos too.

  • 3/5 Richard F. 1 year ago on Google
    It is a clean and well presented place but definitely not worth near 9 euros. It highlights are bone and stones from the local region. Displays are spoken in english, spainish. Overall you may spend up tp 45 mins there

  • 5/5 Atreyee S. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent, intimate museum. Unique collection of paleolithic art and tools found in Cantabria, with a very clean display appealing to kids and adults alike! Great museum store as well

  • 5/5 Leli A. 2 years ago on Google
    It was Very Good Experience. Many Interesting Archeological Findings. Big stone"Estella" from Old Civilization Before Romans and celtic. A Lot of To See in Details. If you are Student Half of Price to Entrance

  • 4/5 Igor 1 year ago on Google
    Very graphical museum, obviously set up with great attention and creativity, with exhibits that range all the way from the paleolithic to roman times. Models of real caves really set up the mood. Nothing too special tho. I was maybe expecting more pieces from paleolithic and bronze age since it is museum of prehistory. But I was certainly not left dissatisfied either. Extremely helpful and friendly staff

  • 3/5 valentijn l. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice to see the historical findings of the digging sites around Spain. A journey through time. Takes about 1-1,5 hours max to see everything. Information available in Spanish French and English.

  • 5/5 Sunny F. 7 years ago on Google
    Great museum. Everything is well showcased in an excellent way. You see a lot of things and learn a lot all in an easy peasy way. It depicts the history of mankind in the area from the begining to the occupation of the Romans in Cantabria. Videos and representations are easy to watch and very useful! Really worth a visit!

  • 5/5 Jon S. 2 years ago on Google
    A fascinating and interesting history of the city's walls and how the city has evolved over time. The tour guide was very informative and helpful.

  • 5/5 Innes R. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a stunning collection of prehistoric stuff, displayed in a very informative and thoughtful way. I was very impressed. The staff were friendly and the exhibits were beautifully presented.

  • 5/5 Jose Carlos R. de A. 2 years ago on Google
    The entrance is hidden (side of the market), part of it is under renovation, it's small... but the experience IS GREAT. Very didactic. Really. I spent at least 2 pleasant hours there... and I left because it was lunchtime, otherwise I would have spent more time there. Don't miss out!!! VERY GOOD!!! Great curation. Interactive. For all ages.


Call +34 942 20 99 22 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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