Museo de Cadiz
Probably, this will be the first museum on your visit list whilst in Cádiz. It was founded in 1970 after the Fine Arts and Archaeology collections merged.
Located inside the 19th century Convent of San Francisco on the Plaza de Mina, it is set on three floors. (Archaeology on the ground floor, art on the first, and puppets (La Tía Norica de Cádiz) on the second floor.)
The audio guided tour of Cádiz
The Museum of Cádiz and the Plaza Mina are included in the Visit Cádiz audio guided tour. Check it out here: https://visitingcadiz.com/immerse-yourself-in-cadizs-rich-history-a-guided-audio-tour/
Or, just scan the QR code on the left with your mobile phone.
Listen to the podcast about Museums in Cádiz
More about the museum of Cádiz
The art gallery has an impressive collection including works from Zurbarán, Murillo, Rubens, Zuloaga, Sorolla, Miró. (Zurbarán’s complete works come from the Cartuja de Jerez de la Frontera, except La Pentecostés, which comes from the Consulate of the Indies.)
The archaeological department has some outstanding objects in its collection. Among them, the famous Phoenician sarcophagi that were found in the port of Cádiz in 1877. Many other artefacts from the Roman era are available to see from local sites such as Baelo Claudia, Medina Sidonia, Carissa Aurelia, Sancti Petri or Gades itself. The collection is split into various categories installed inside 8 display rooms.
This guided tour includes the Museum of Cádiz
Take a guided tour of medieval Cadiz, and see all the city’s landmarks, including the Neoclassical and Baroque cathedral and its museum, the Roman theater in the area known as the Pópulo, and structures dating back as far as the Phoenician era
Areas of archeology
- Archeology and the sea. From the reproduction of the paintings of Laja Alta, which illustrate the arrival of a Phoenician flotilla, Gadir’s relations with Sardinia, navigation in the Bay of Cádiz and Lake Ligustino, to maritime trade, through amphoras and the cargoes of Roman ships and a compendium of the wealth of Gades.
- Death through archaeology. From prehistory, with the first Neolithic burials, through Phoenician, Roman and paleochristian rituals.
- Personal adornment. From prehistoric objects to the collection of Phoenician jewels found in the necropolis of Cádiz or personal care materials from Roman times.
- Roman emperors. Through the history of Rome through portraits, coins and imperial inscriptions, from Julius Caesar to the times of Roman decadence.
- The gods and the heroes. A route from East to West, passing through Cyprus, the Greek islands and Sicily, to the mythical Gadir/Gades, together with the myth of Gerión, Melqart and Hercules.
La Tía Norica de Cádiz, is a puppet show tradition dating back 200 years or more. The latest investigations date its existence to around 1790 and it’s considered to be of Italian origin. The puppets are recognised as works of art and have been awarded the Gold medal for merit in fine arts. The collection was declared an asset of cultural interest by the Junta de Andalucía and some of the oldest pieces are located here in the Museum of Cádiz. However, ou can see and learn a lot more in the permanent exhibition of the Museo Iberoamericano del Títere which is located in the Puerta de Tierra. (https://visitingcadiz.com/puerta-de-tierra/)
European Union: free (proof of nationality required.)
Other Countries: 1.50 € .
Address: Plaza de Mina
Web: https://www.museosdeandalucia.es/web/museodecadiz
Museo de Las Cortes de Cadiz
The Museo Iconográfico e Histórico de las Cortes y Sitio de Cádiz houses numerous objects from the 18th and 19th centuries. The collection of arms, medals and flags concentrates on the siege of the city by Napoleonic troops between 1810 and 1812 and the declaration of the Constitution of 1812
Among its best pieces is the model of the city of Cádiz. Constructed in mahogany and ivory and made by the military engineer Alfonso Jimenéz in 1777 at the request of Carlos III. The large model is of great value and shows the urban developement and history of the city. An interesting observation from this model is that the layout that Cádiz had in the 18th century has remained practically unchanged even now in the modern present day Cádiz.
Address: Calle Santa Inés
Web: https://turismo.cadiz.es/es/rutas-y-visitas-en-cadiz/museo-de-las-cortes-de-c%C3%A1diz
Museo de la Catedral
Casa de la Contaduría – Museo Catedralicio
The museum of the cathedral of Cádiz is located in a separate building called the Casa de la Contaduria in the Plaza de San Felix (Pópulo neighborhood), just 50 meters from the cathedral itself. After visiting the cathedral and the tower, go through the medieval arch in the Plaza and follow the cobbled street. Here you will find the museum and old cathedral (Iglesia Santa Cruz) which is now the parish church.
As you would expect this museum contains cathedral-affiliated artifacts, ancient books and religious paintings.
The entry price for the cathedral also includes entry to this museum and you can buy tickets at the cathedral or online at the website. (below.)
Address: Pl. Fray Félix
Web: https://catedraldecadiz.com/casa-de-la-contaduria/
Museo del Titere
Located inside the Puertas de Tierra (not far from the The Lithographic Museum)is the Puppet Museum. The main objective of this museum is to exhibit, document and preserve the memory of of puppeteers, companies, artisans and creators from Spain and the rest of the world.
The entrance to the Museum is through the patio of the old fire station, which is located next to the Puertas de Tierra tower. The museum concentrates its contents through the permanent exhibition of “Marionettes of the World”, with pieces from the collection purchased by the Cádiz City Council from Ismael Peña in 2008. This collection is made up of more than 500 pieces, among which there are some 350 international. puppets.
- Closed on Mondays
- Free entry
Address: Puertas de Tierra, Bóvedas de Santa Elena (located at the Puerta de Tierra – https://visitingcadiz.com/puerta-de-tierra/)
Website: https://turismo.cadiz.es/es/rutas-y-visitas-en-cadiz/museo-del-t%C3%ADtere
Museo litografico
The Lithographic Museum (Museo Taller Litográfico) has its origins in the old German Lithography of Cádiz, installed in 1861 and which functioned as a printing press until the end of the 20th century. It is one of the few museums of this type in Spain.
The museum has an important collection made up of more than a thousand lithographic stones originating from Bavarian quarries. Of great quality and true works of art, especially the engravings and drawings, the stones are well preserved and exhibited. Among the most surprising pieces in the Museum is a large stone weighing more than 300 kg and a manual printing press made in Paris in 1850.
- Free entry
- Closed on Mondays
Address: Boveda San Roque (located at the Puerta de Tierra – https://visitingcadiz.com/puerta-de-tierra/)
Website: https://turismo.cadiz.es/es/rutas-y-visitas-en-cadiz/museo-taller-litogr%C3%A1fico
Centro Cultural Municipal Reina Sofia
Located in front of the Baluarte de la Candelaria, this former military building houses the Museo Vasallo, the Real Academia Hispanoamericana, the Ateneo Gaditano, the Military Library, the Federico Joly Foundation, the Galván Stamping Workshop, the Municipal Foundation of Culture and the exhibition-legacy of the Aramburu family.
The building was constructed in 1756 and is a true jewel of Cádiz. At the time, it was built to house military engineers and funcionaries
The Reina Sofía Cultural Center was inaugurated in October 2006 by H.M. Queen Doña Sofía and its main claim is the home of the works of Juan Luis Vasallo, one of the finest Spanish sculptors of the 20th century and creator of the Minerva of the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid,
Juan Luis always wanted his work to be exhibited in his hometown of Cádiz and so thanks to an agreement with his family, his sculptures can be found in the patio, on the stairs and on the second floor. The Vasallo Museum also exhibits 140 works and twenty original drawings donated to the museum by his family.
The Cultural Center also houses the collection of the Aramburu Picardo Family. This includes some 86 works such as engravings, portraits, oil miniatures, country scenes, religious scenes and traditional paintings.
- Free entry
- Open every day
Address: Paseo Alameda Apodaca
Web: https://institucional.cadiz.es/area/Centro%20cultural%20%27Reina%20Sof%C3%ADa%27/769
Ecco–Espacio de Creacion Contemporanea
The Space for Contemporary Culture of Cádiz (ECCO) is a public meeting place, where all artistic and creative expressions have a place. regular concerts and exhibitions throughout the year. See the website and facebook page for current and upcoming events.
Address: Paseo Carlos III N°5
Web: https://www.eccocadiz.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cadizecco/
Yacimiento casa de lobispo
The archaeological museum of the Casa del Obispo is located in the historic center of the city, between the old cathedral and the new cathedral.
The remains belong to a small Phoenician funerary monument from the Phoenician era of the 6th century BC. which together with its annexes, excavated in the rock, forms one of the most important funerary complexes in the Iberian Peninsula.
During the Roman Republican era, a new complex was annexed to the Carthaginian buildings and the remains of a Roman temple stand out, belonging to a series of three dedicated to Apollo, Aesculapius and Hygieia.
Address: Plza. Fray Félix, 5
Fabrica de Salazones Romana
Built in the 1st century B.C and working up untill the 5th century, this Roman fish salting and processing factory makes for an interesting visit.The preserved part corresponds mostly to large pools in which the fish were processed to create salsamenta, murex, liquamen, garum fish products.
There are various informative panels and an audio visual film explaining the history and process which which gave ancient Gades a reputation for the quality of its products
Address: Calle Sacramento, 16.
Open mornings only.
Free entry.
The Roman Theatre of Cádiz
This museum offers a complete view of the site and its historical context. The center is organized through a series of models, images, plans, archaeological material, and other elements throughout five rooms.
Read more here: https://visitingcadiz.com/the-roman-theatre-of-cadiz/
Cádiz Museums: Your Questions Answered
What is the Museum of Cádiz, and what can visitors expect to see there?
The Museum of Cádiz, founded in 1970, is housed in the 19th-century Convent of San Francisco on the Plaza de Mina. It’s divided across three floors, showcasing archaeology (ground floor), fine art (first floor), and puppets (second floor). The art collection features notable works by artists such as Zurbarán, Murillo, and Rubens. The archaeology section displays significant artefacts, including Phoenician sarcophagi and Roman-era items from local sites like Baelo Claudia. The puppet collection, “La Tía Norica de Cádiz”, represents a 200-year-old puppet show tradition, recognised as an asset of cultural interest.
What is significant about the Museo de Las Cortes de Cadiz?
The Museo Iconográfico e Histórico de las Cortes y Sitio de Cádiz focuses on 18th and 19th-century objects, particularly those related to the siege of Cádiz by Napoleonic troops (1810-1812) and the declaration of the Constitution of 1812. A highlight of the museum is the detailed mahogany and ivory model of Cádiz, created in 1777, which demonstrates how little the city’s layout has changed since the 18th century.
Where can I find religious artefacts and art in Cádiz?
For religious artefacts, visit the Museo de la Catedral (Casa de la Contaduría) located near the Cádiz Cathedral in the Pópulo neighbourhood. This museum, housed in a separate building, features cathedral-affiliated artifacts, ancient books, and religious paintings. Entry to the museum is included with the cathedral ticket.
What is the Museo del Titere dedicated to, and where is it located?
The Museo del Titere, or Puppet Museum, is dedicated to exhibiting, documenting, and preserving the history of puppeteers, companies, artisans, and creators from Spain and the world. It’s located inside the Puertas de Tierra, specifically in the Bóvedas de Santa Elena. The museum showcases a permanent exhibition called “Marionettes of the World,” featuring a collection of over 500 puppets, with around 350 being international pieces. Entry is free, and the museum is closed on Mondays.
What is unique about the Museo Litografico and what can visitors expect to see?
The Museo Taller Litográfico, or Lithographic Museum, originates from the old German Lithography of Cádiz, which operated as a printing press from 1861 until the late 20th century. It is one of the few museums of its kind in Spain, showcasing an important collection of over a thousand lithographic stones from Bavarian quarries. Visitors can admire these stones, which are well-preserved and exhibit intricate engravings and drawings, as well as a large stone weighing over 300 kg and a manual printing press made in Paris in 1850. Entry is free, and the museum is closed on Mondays.
What kind of art is on display at the Centro Cultural Municipal Reina Sofia?
The Centro Cultural Municipal Reina Sofía houses the Museo Vasallo, dedicated to the works of Juan Luis Vasallo, a prominent Spanish sculptor. His sculptures are displayed in the patio, on the stairs, and on the second floor, along with 140 works and twenty original drawings donated by his family. The Cultural Center also showcases the Aramburu Picardo Family collection, which includes engravings, portraits, oil miniatures, country scenes, religious scenes, and traditional paintings. Entry is free, and the center is open every day.
What archaeological sites can be visited in Cádiz, and what are some key features?
Cádiz offers several archaeological sites. The Yacimiento Casa del Obispo features remains of a Phoenician funerary monument from the 6th century BC and a Roman temple complex. The Fabrica de Salazones Romana is a Roman fish salting and processing factory from the 1st century BC, with preserved pools where fish products were created. The Roman Theatre of Cádiz (Gades), rediscovered in 1980, has a museum with models, images, and archaeological material explaining its history.
Are there any museums in Cádiz with free admission?
Yes, several museums in Cádiz offer free admission:
- Museo del Titere (Puppet Museum)
- Museo Litografico (Lithographic Museum)
- Centro Cultural Municipal Reina Sofia
- Fabrica de Salazones Romana
- Admission to the Museo de Cádiz is free for European Union citizens (proof of nationality required).
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