Museum of Almería 1

The Museum of Almería contains important and varied archaeological objects, mainly from different places in Almería province.  Chronologically they range from the first settlements (the oldest site in the province, from which remains of human occupation still exist, dates from the Mid-Paleolithic, Cueva de Zájara), until the present day.

The core of the collection from the former collection of Juan Cuadrado, was purchased by the Provincial Council of Almería; it has grown with bestowals, deposits and donations by individuals, as well as the numerous archaeological excavations which have been carried out over the years.  The Museum also has a wide range of ethnographical items: popular ceramics, regional costumes, weapons, items made from esparto grass, etc. Nevertheless, in the new design for the exhibition area a choice has been made to present a single focus specialising on two cultural moments which distinguish Almería province: the Millares and El Argar cultures.

Without a doubt these are the two moments in history that have shaped Almería and the south east Iberian peninsula from a historical perspective. The Museum's objective is to become a national benchmark for the study and understanding of these 3rd and 2nd Millenium BCE societies at the same time as going back to its 1933 roots. The means to this goal is to achieve widespread recognition for the Museum and give it a unique character.

The presentation of the pieces skilfully manages to add a variety of teaching resources: on show are audiovisuals, interactive features, dramatisation and also, for the first time, artistic contemporary language is being included in an archaeological museum's exhibition space.

To show and promote the collections that will not be on permanent display, an area has been created on the top floor to exhibit a selection of the Museum's collections on a semipermanent and rotating basis. The floor will adopt the same teaching and informative criteria as the other sections helping to promote the museum's cultural offering.