frade arquitectos restore the museo arqueologico nacional in madrid

‘museo arqueologico nacional’ by frade arquitectos, madrid, spain
image © niccolo guasti

spanish studio frade arquitectos out of madrid have recently renovated and remodeled the renowned ‘museo arqueologico nacional‘ (national archeological museum). opening it’s doors this tuesday, april 1st, the public will be able to experience what is considered to be one of spain’s most important museums– a feat heightened by over 6 years of construction, 65.2 million euros, and a 2,642 m2 expansion to create an almost brand new structure. the restoration was not merely about rejuvenating the aging material but consisted of an entire re-design to improve accessibility, spatial efficiencies, and 10,000 m2 of exhibition areas, all the while retaining elements of the original structure. as a result, a walk through the structure is as much an observation of our earth’s history as it is an architectonic adventure across a diverse palette of materials and scales. for the opening of this national treasure, all the exhibit pieces have also been restored and cleaned to find their new homes in carefully thought-out multimedia galleries.

image © niccolo guasti

image © niccolo guasti

 
original vestibule
image © lorenzo plana

 
image © niccolo guasti

ticket counter
image © niccolo guasti

(left) southern courtyard
(right) northern courtyard
image © niccolo guasti

south courtyard
image © luis asin

(left) egypt hall
(right) common areas
image © niccolo guasti

conference room
image © niccolo guasti

multimedia display
image © niccolo guasti

detail view
image © niccolo guasti

islamic medieval hall
image © dr. sombra

information center
image © niccolo guasti

restored steel roof trusses
image © niccolo guasti

lobby and reception
image © luis asin

noble hall
image © luis asin

greek hall
image © luis asin

prehistory
image © mika cartier

islamic medieval hall
image © luis asin

image © niccolo guasti

library
image © luis asin