Museo Nacional de Arqueología Subacuática

The Museo Nacional de Arqueología Subacuática. ARQUA gives visitors the opportunity to discover the history of our cultural heritage hidden under water. Founded in 1981, its new building was inaugurated in 2008 in which, in addition to show the public its collection, the Museum is responsible for the protection and research of Spanish Underwater Heritage.

It is an absolute must for anyone interested in discovering Spain’s underwater heritage in three broad areas. Firstly, Patrimonio Cultural Subacuático, which explains the methodology used in underwater excavations and where one of the highlights is a replica of a boat from the Phoenician period (7th century BC) found in Mazarrón. Secondly, Mare Hibericum, invite visitors to learn about the Iberian Peninsula through the Mediterranean’s history and trade from Antiquity to the 19th century. Highlights include the original Mazarrón I shipwreck and its cargo from the Phoenician period, the collection of elephant tusks, also from the Phoenician period, found at the site of the Bajo de la Campana shipwreck and a Roman shipwreck found of Escombreras Island. The third area, La Navegación Oceánica shows the cargo of the frigate Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, recently recovered by the Spanish state, which contained almost 600 000 Pieces of Eight silver coins.

ACCESSIBILITY

The accessibility recommendations of the Ministry of Culture were followed in the architectural project of the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology. ARQUA.

The execution and design of the museum layout have also taken into account the recommendations of the Accessibility Report of the State Centre for Personal Autonomy and Technical Assistance (CEAPAT) in Albacete. 

For accessibility the interior of the museum was designed without architectural barriers, with lifts available to go between floors. 

HOW TO REACH

BUS: Line 8: Icuebus and 9: Icuebus -2.
Tourist bus: Alfonso XII stop.
BY SEA: Tourist boat. Leaves from Muelle
de Alfonso XII quay.
PARKING: Puerto and Plaza del Rey car
parks.

ADMISSION

GENERAL: 3 €.
REDUCED: 1,5 €.
FREE: Saturdays from 2:00 p.m., Sundays
and holidays: 18 May · 12 October ·
16 November · 6 December.
Reduced and free admission: Ask for
further information at the Ticket Office.