The Museum of America’s vast permanent exhibition, is definitely a treat for all archeology enthusiasts! Situated in the vibrant city of Madrid, Spain, the museum features extensive collections of American archeology and ethnology, ranging from the Paleolithic period to the present day. Arranged into five key areas, the permanent showcase first introduces its visitors to the history of the North American continent, followed by the inhabitation process, the formation of diverse societies, their relationships with the supernatural and ultimately the communication systems that have developed over time.

The permanent collection, featuring 25.000 objects on display, aims to unveil the complex American reality using anthropological approaches. It takes its visitors on a journey through American history, starting with Knowing about America, the first area of the museum which delves into the way Europeans imagined the Americas before setting out on their quests in search of new territories. It wasn’t until the conquerors brought plants, animals and natives back to European monarchs that the image of the Americas changed in European minds. With a new understanding of the American reality, visitors are shown a wide array of conquests over the continent’s geographical features; showcasing encounters with significant American cultures and the flow of migration waves across land. Entering the largest area of the museum, The area of Society, visitors are introduced to the diverse cultures that lived in America for thousands of years. It illustrates the distinctive societies that have coexisted on the continent by demonstrating their day to day lives, opening the door to The area of Religion which teaches us that understanding a culture means understanding its religion. The hispanic catholicism fused with ancient practices and rituals creating a unique set of beliefs on the continent. Lastly, the area of Communication shows the origins of written communication in America and its development into an area of great language diversity.

Highlights from the permanent collection of the Museum of America is now available on our app, featuring more information and content on the history of the Americas. If you’re in Madrid, make sure to add this exciting exhibition to your schedule, we promise you won’t regret it!