The Naval Museum of Madrid, or Museo Naval de Madrid, is a museum located in the Paseo del Prado in Madrid, Spain, that displays the history of the Spanish Navy. The museum was founded in 1792 and has since become one of the most important naval museums in the world. Its collection includes more than 10,000 pieces, including paintings, maps, models, weapons, uniforms, and other artifacts related to Spanish naval history from the Middle Ages to the present day.
The museum is housed in a historic building that was originally the headquarters of the Spanish Ministry of the Navy. The building was designed in the neoclassical style by the architect Juan de Villanueva in the late 18th century. The museum's collection is divided into several sections, including naval history, naval models, navigation instruments, and paintings and sculptures. Highlights of the collection include a large-scale model of the 18th-century Spanish ship Real Carlos, a collection of figureheads from Spanish ships, and a painting by Francisco de Goya depicting the Battle of Trafalgar.
Visitors can explore the museum's collection through a series of galleries and interactive exhibits. There are also guided tours available, as well as educational programs and workshops for children and adults. The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday and admission is free. It is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in naval history or Spanish culture.