Cartagena Naval Museum
Murcia
The Cartagena Naval Museum, located near the city port of Cartagena, Spain, is a prominent military museum dedicated to naval construction and maritime history. Established in 1986, it occupies a historic mid-18th-century building originally designed by military engineer Mateo Vodopich. The museum's extensive collection includes models of historic ships such as the Juan Sebastián de Elcano, relics from famous Spanish vessels like Nuestra Señora de Atocha, and a dedicated room honoring Isaac Peral, the inventor of the first electric-powered submarine. Exhibits span various naval disciplines including armament, marine infantry history, cartography, navigation, and diving evolution within the Spanish Navy. The museum also houses significant artifacts such as original submarine torpedoes, uniforms, flags linked to the Mediterranean Maritime Zone, and medical objects from old naval hospitals. Its location on the seafront offers visitors a rich cultural experience intertwined with Cartagena's maritime heritage, making it a unique destination for naval history enthusiasts and general visitors alike.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check opening hours before visiting, as the museum is closed on certain holidays and weekends, especially in summer. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during busy periods. The best time to visit is during weekdays in the morning for a quieter experience. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups. The museum is accessible by bus (Line 7 and ICUE 8) with stops nearby.
Interesting facts
- •The museum houses the original submarine prototype designed by Isaac Peral, a pioneering figure in submarine technology.
- •It contains relics from the Spanish ships Nuestra Señora de Atocha and Santa Margarita, famous for their historical significance.
- •The building itself dates back to 1786 and has served multiple roles including a state penitentiary and naval barracks.
- •The collection includes a copy of the 1450 Catalan Atlas and a copy of Christopher Columbus's 1492 letter.
- •The museum exhibits torpedoes used in World War II and an Italian torpedo from 1920.
- •It features a chamber of officers from the submarine S-35 Narciso Monturiol.
History
The museum was inaugurated on July 8, 1986, initially housed in a modernist building constructed in 1926 under architect Lorenzo Ros.
This building served various naval educational purposes before becoming a museum.
In 2012, the museum relocated to its current historic site, a former Maritime Instruction Headquarters built in 1786 by Mateo Vodopich.
Over the centuries, this building has served as a state penitentiary, a prison, and a naval training barracks.
A 2005 agreement between the Ministry of Defense, the Autonomous Community of Murcia, and the Polytechnic University of Cartagena established shared use of the building, with the museum occupying the southern half of the ground floor.
Place Guide
Lobby
Features a detailed model of the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano and an image of the Virgin of Carmen, both emblematic symbols of the Spanish Navy, alongside various naval objects.
Arsenal RoomEarly 20th century
Displays plans, carpentry and smithery tools, sailmaking workshops, maneuvering elements, ship models, relics from Nuestra Señora de Atocha and Santa Margarita, and historic documents from the early 20th century.
Isaac Peral RoomLate 19th century
Dedicated to Isaac Peral, showcasing personal objects, national heritage documents, model paintings of his submarine, and a portrait of Peral himself.
Marine Infantry Room
Exhibits paintings, photographs, uniforms, weapons, and musical instruments related to the Spanish Marine Infantry's historical battles and actions.
Cartography and Navigation Room19th century
Contains copies of manuscript maps, navigation letters, a 19th-century war steamer rudder, telegraphs, sextants, navigation publications, logbooks, and ship models.
Navy Diving Room
Explores the history and evolution of diving within the Spanish Navy, displaying various diving equipment and related artifacts.
19th Century Room19th century
Focuses on the political unrest in 19th-century Cartagena, military campaigns to Cuba, and remnants from the 1873 bombing of Cartagena.
Submarine Room
Features models of submarines used by the Spanish Navy, batteries, submarine planes, rescue bells, torpedoes including those from the SPS Narciso Monturiol.
Armament Room
Displays naval weapons, ammunition, and related military equipment used by the Spanish Navy.
Flags and Uniforms Hall
Exhibits flags linked to the former Mediterranean Maritime Zone, uniforms, and ship models.
Naval Health Room18th century
Contains artifacts from the old naval hospital, including religious items, portraits of doctors and war heroes, ancient documentation, and 18th-century uniforms.
Contact
Phone: 968 12 71 38
