Tarragona Tourist Information - Museums in Tarragona

        •   The Tarragona National Archaeology museum :

The museum was founded in the 19th century and is the oldest museum in Catalonia in its category. The collection has been put together over the last 150 years; an evidence of the importance and prosperity of Tarraco in the Roman times. It is a vast collection spanning the cultural, social, domestic and military life of those days.

	There are coins, ceramics, sculptures, mosaics, amphorae, clothing, household utensils and items, and various military equipments.
	Address: Museu Nacional Arqueologic 43003 Placca Del Rei, s/n Tel. 24 57 96

        •  The Tarragona History Museum :

The functions of the museum extend over a large field. It is a branch of the Tarragona City Council Heritage Department. It museum carries out important work in the conservation and documentation of the several monuments spread around the region. It also organises annual programmes and activities to increase the awareness of the importance of the historical heritage of the region.

The collection is divided into three parts: The Molas Collection:  which was acquired from Joan Molas in 1976. It features several archaeological and ethnographic items; some decorated dishes from the 16th 19th century, and some decorated tiles among other things. The Sanchez Camargo collection: was acquired in the 1960’s from Sanchez Camargo. It comprises of 213 works of arts- 131 of which are paintings, 31 sketches, 51 are engravings. The Quintana legacy: this collection features documents and other items donated by scientist Antoni Quintana Mari. The most remarkable display from this collection: the model of the first plane that flew over Tarragona.

        •  The Museum of Modern Art :

The museum was started first in 1976 by the provincial council of Tarragona. It aims at preserving and showcasing the artistic heritage of the region. The museum is spread over three houses which have been joined to make it one whole unit. Julio Antonio, Salvador Martorell, Santiago Costa, Josep Sancho, Jose Nogue, Ramon Carrete, Lluis Saumells are some of the artists whose paintings and sculptures are on display here.

There are also exhibits of the winners of the biennial painting and sculpture awards, as well as documentary and avant-garde photography. The museum also comprises an auxiliary library, a documentation centre and photography archives and offers temporary exhibits and guided tours for school groups. The museum also organises temporary exhibitions of the works from modern and contemporary artists.

Address: Santa Anna, 8 43003 - TARRAGONA Tel: 977 - 23 50 32 Email:mamt@altanet.org Website: http://www.altanet.org/MAMT/

        •  The Tarragona Harbour Museum :

The museum is situated on the harbour in a large storage ware house. Tarragona port has always played an important role in the development of the region. The museum affords the visitor a journey through the history of the port from the Roman Era onward. Some of the items on display are very large and therefore the huge ware house was chosen as an ideal location for the museum. The various fishing and trading practices of various ages are evident through the collection on display.

There is a lighthouse museum which is an extension of the museum. It is a hexagonal structure and the only metal lighthouse still standing. Inside, the objects relating to yesteryear’s signaling system are on display.