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Museums #13 in Pamplona

Museum of Navarre

4.4 · 1,476 reviews
A quiet place for contemplation
Museum of Navarre, C. de Santo Domingo, 47, 31001 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
Interesting facts
1

The museum's main facade is a rare surviving example of 16th-century Plateresque architecture in Pamplona.

2

The collection includes mural paintings from the Romanesque period, specifically those from the church of San Pedro de Arlanza.

3

The Roman mosaic of the Triumph of Bacchus was discovered in the 19th century under a private residence in Pamplona's old town.

4

The building incorporates architectural elements salvaged from diverse religious sites across Navarre that were dismantled or renovated.

5

The internal staircase reflects the transition from hospital functionality to museum display space.

Overview

The Museum of Navarre is housed in the historic 16th-century former Hospital of Our Lady of Mercy, retaining its original Renaissance portal. The collection documents the history of Navarre from prehistoric times through the 20th century. Its most significant archaeological treasure is the Roman mosaic known as the 'Triumph of Bacchus.' The museum also features a collection of Romanesque capitals salvaged from the destroyed Pamplona Cathedral cloister. The layout spans several floors, tracing the evolution of regional art and political history. The institution acts as the primary repository for the cultural heritage of the Navarre region. Visitors can observe a range of artifacts including medieval sculptures, mural paintings, and Renaissance-era decorative arts. The building serves as a permanent site for examining the aesthetic shifts within northern Spain. The collection is organized chronologically to contextualize archaeological findings alongside later artistic developments.

Photo spot

The ornate 16th-century Renaissance portal at the main entrance.

Insider tips

Prioritize the Roman archaeology section on the lower levels before moving to the later art periods.

Check the upper floors for temporary exhibitions which rotate throughout the year.

Ask the staff about the history of the building's transition from a hospital to an art institution.

What to avoid

Attempting to rush through the chronological progression; the collection is best appreciated by following the floor-by-floor historical narrative.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays throughout the year.

Etiquette

No flash photography allowed; maintain a quiet tone in the galleries.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings to avoid crowds and ensure a quiet viewing of the archaeological collections.
Address
Museum of Navarre, C. de Santo Domingo, 47, 31001 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
42.820, -1.646
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsRoman mosaic of the Triumph of Bacchus, Romanesque capitals, 16th-century Plateresque portal

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings to avoid crowds and ensure a quiet viewing of the archaeological collections..

The ornate 16th-century Renaissance portal at the main entrance.

Close by you'll find Jardines de la Taconera, Catedral Metropolitana de Santa María la Real de Pamplona, Encierro/Entzierroa Monument.