Madrid
Global cultural perspectives

Exhibitions at National Museum of Anthropology, Madrid

Discover changing exhibitions exploring global cultures in Madrid.

The National Museum of Anthropology in Madrid regularly hosts special exhibitions, enriching its global cultural view. These temporary displays offer deeper dives into specific cultural traditions, artistic expressions, and historical narratives from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Use this page to understand the typical focus of exhibitions and what to expect during your visit.

National Museum of Anthropology
8 exhibitions on now
Featured exhibitions at National Museum of Anthropology
Highlights and recommended shows in Madrid
Explore featured exhibitions at National Museum of Anthropology, including priority recommendations and high-interest shows to add to your visit plan in Madrid.
A watercolor artwork with purple and black hues featuring framed black and white portraits of children, representing the exhibition 'Duerma en ti.. Maternidades robadas en España (1939-1999)'
From Mar 16, 2022

National Anthropology Museum: Duerma en ti – Stolen Maternities in Spain Exhibition

Exploring child separation history through testimonies and powerful photography.

This exhibition at the National Anthropology Museum investigates the widespread separation of children in Spain. Discover twenty compelling cases from 1939-1999, presented with historical documents and moving personal accounts.

Exhibition Details
A watercolor illustration of Chinese stone seals and their red ink impressions displayed in a museum gallery, part of the exhibition 'Cien años de Xiling. El arte del sello chino'.
From Sep 14, 2011

Cien años de Xiling: Celebrating the Art of Chinese Seal Carving

Featuring original stone seals by the Xiling Seal Engravers Society.

Immerse yourself in the millennia-old tradition of Chinese seal carving. This exhibition showcases original seals, intricate calligraphy, and imprints, highlighting the artistry and cultural legacy upheld by the Xiling Society.

Exhibition Details
A watercolor illustration of a rural Malian village at night, where people gather around a portable solar-powered lamp made from recycled materials, illuminating their communal space.
From Feb 14, 2014

Explore the 'Foroba Yelen' Exhibition: Sustainable Design and Community in Mali

See how light empowers rural Malian villages.

The 'Foroba Yelen' exhibition presents an innovative project creating portable solar lamps for rural Mali. Learn how these sustainable designs blend ethnography to foster community development, enhance productivity, and support cultural practices.

Foroba Yelen Exhibition
A vibrant graffiti mural titled 'Un grafiti para el mundo' being created by young artists on an outdoor temporary barrier, featuring messages of no hunger, equality, global justice, and unity with a colorful world map and symbolic imagery.
From Nov 18, 2014

“Un grafiti para el mundo” Urban Art Exhibition at National Anthropology Museum

A powerful graffiti mural showcasing youth voices on global issues.

Discover "Un grafiti para el mundo," a vibrant mural born from a museum workshop. This public art piece addresses contemporary social concerns such as hunger and injustice, displayed on the museum's exterior fence for all to see.

“Un grafiti” Exhibition
A watercolor illustration of a museum gallery with visitors viewing historical black and white photographs on display, depicting traditional Spanish cultural practices and collective memory.
From Oct 17, 2014

Inmaterial: Patrimonio y memoria colectiva — An Exhibition on Intangible Heritage

Uncover collective memory and cultural traditions through reinterpreted historical photographs.

This exhibition explores intangible cultural heritage and collective memory. It showcases reinterpreted historical photographs highlighting the value of traditions, expressions, and shared knowledge. Discover diverse social practices and their enduring relevance.

Inmaterial Exhibition
Vibrant watercolor painting on sheepskin depicting a religious procession in the Andes, with people in traditional purple clothing carrying a Virgin Mary figure, surrounded by mountains, a church, and farm scenes.
From Oct 1, 2015

Tigua: Arte desde el Centro del Mundo – Folk Art at National Anthropology Museum

Vibrant sheepskin paintings from Ecuador's Kichwa communities and Andean landscapes.

This exhibition showcases unique Tigua folk art, which emerged from Ecuadorian communities in the 1970s. The expressive paintings on sheepskin vividly portray religious festivals, daily life, and the rich cultural heritage of the Kichwa people, offering a window into their traditions.

Tigua Folk Art Exhibition
Watercolor illustration of a brass band performing at the Guča Trumpet Festival in Serbia, with musicians in traditional attire on stage and a crowd celebrating under colorful banners.
From Sep 23, 2016

Balkaneros: The Guča Trumpet Festival Exhibition at National Anthropology Museum

Celebrating Serbian brass music and cultural identity through anthropology.

Experience the spirit of the Guča Trumpet Festival, a central event in Serbian culture. This exhibition delves into the profound musical heritage of the Balkans, showcasing the trumpet's significance. Learn about the diverse traditions that shaped this vibrant folk music.

Guča Festival Exhibition
Watercolor illustration of an exhibition featuring portraits of Congolese women, with visitors observing the artwork in a gallery setting.
From Mar 17, 2017

Mujeres del Congo: Photography Exhibition by Isabel Muñoz and Concha Casajús

Exploring women's resilience and dignity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

This powerful exhibition showcases photographs by Isabel Muñoz and Concha Casajús, focusing on the struggles of Congolese women. It documents their fight against sexual violence as a weapon of war and celebrates their strength and dignity.

Mujeres del Congo
Current and ongoing exhibitions
What you can see right now at National Museum of Anthropology
Browse ongoing exhibitions currently available at National Museum of Anthropology, including active installations and permanent displays open to visitors in Madrid.
A watercolor artwork with purple and black hues featuring framed black and white portraits of children, representing the exhibition 'Duerma en ti.. Maternidades robadas en España (1939-1999)'
From Mar 16, 2022

National Anthropology Museum: Duerma en ti – Stolen Maternities in Spain Exhibition

Exploring child separation history through testimonies and powerful photography.

This exhibition at the National Anthropology Museum investigates the widespread separation of children in Spain. Discover twenty compelling cases from 1939-1999, presented with historical documents and moving personal accounts.

Exhibition Details
A watercolor illustration of Chinese stone seals and their red ink impressions displayed in a museum gallery, part of the exhibition 'Cien años de Xiling. El arte del sello chino'.
From Sep 14, 2011

Cien años de Xiling: Celebrating the Art of Chinese Seal Carving

Featuring original stone seals by the Xiling Seal Engravers Society.

Immerse yourself in the millennia-old tradition of Chinese seal carving. This exhibition showcases original seals, intricate calligraphy, and imprints, highlighting the artistry and cultural legacy upheld by the Xiling Society.

Exhibition Details
A watercolor illustration of a rural Malian village at night, where people gather around a portable solar-powered lamp made from recycled materials, illuminating their communal space.
From Feb 14, 2014

Explore the 'Foroba Yelen' Exhibition: Sustainable Design and Community in Mali

See how light empowers rural Malian villages.

The 'Foroba Yelen' exhibition presents an innovative project creating portable solar lamps for rural Mali. Learn how these sustainable designs blend ethnography to foster community development, enhance productivity, and support cultural practices.

Foroba Yelen Exhibition
A vibrant graffiti mural titled 'Un grafiti para el mundo' being created by young artists on an outdoor temporary barrier, featuring messages of no hunger, equality, global justice, and unity with a colorful world map and symbolic imagery.
From Nov 18, 2014

“Un grafiti para el mundo” Urban Art Exhibition at National Anthropology Museum

A powerful graffiti mural showcasing youth voices on global issues.

Discover "Un grafiti para el mundo," a vibrant mural born from a museum workshop. This public art piece addresses contemporary social concerns such as hunger and injustice, displayed on the museum's exterior fence for all to see.

“Un grafiti” Exhibition
A watercolor illustration of a museum gallery with visitors viewing historical black and white photographs on display, depicting traditional Spanish cultural practices and collective memory.
From Oct 17, 2014

Inmaterial: Patrimonio y memoria colectiva — An Exhibition on Intangible Heritage

Uncover collective memory and cultural traditions through reinterpreted historical photographs.

This exhibition explores intangible cultural heritage and collective memory. It showcases reinterpreted historical photographs highlighting the value of traditions, expressions, and shared knowledge. Discover diverse social practices and their enduring relevance.

Inmaterial Exhibition
Vibrant watercolor painting on sheepskin depicting a religious procession in the Andes, with people in traditional purple clothing carrying a Virgin Mary figure, surrounded by mountains, a church, and farm scenes.
From Oct 1, 2015

Tigua: Arte desde el Centro del Mundo – Folk Art at National Anthropology Museum

Vibrant sheepskin paintings from Ecuador's Kichwa communities and Andean landscapes.

This exhibition showcases unique Tigua folk art, which emerged from Ecuadorian communities in the 1970s. The expressive paintings on sheepskin vividly portray religious festivals, daily life, and the rich cultural heritage of the Kichwa people, offering a window into their traditions.

Tigua Folk Art Exhibition
Watercolor illustration of a brass band performing at the Guča Trumpet Festival in Serbia, with musicians in traditional attire on stage and a crowd celebrating under colorful banners.
From Sep 23, 2016

Balkaneros: The Guča Trumpet Festival Exhibition at National Anthropology Museum

Celebrating Serbian brass music and cultural identity through anthropology.

Experience the spirit of the Guča Trumpet Festival, a central event in Serbian culture. This exhibition delves into the profound musical heritage of the Balkans, showcasing the trumpet's significance. Learn about the diverse traditions that shaped this vibrant folk music.

Guča Festival Exhibition
Watercolor illustration of an exhibition featuring portraits of Congolese women, with visitors observing the artwork in a gallery setting.
From Mar 17, 2017

Mujeres del Congo: Photography Exhibition by Isabel Muñoz and Concha Casajús

Exploring women's resilience and dignity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

This powerful exhibition showcases photographs by Isabel Muñoz and Concha Casajús, focusing on the struggles of Congolese women. It documents their fight against sexual violence as a weapon of war and celebrates their strength and dignity.

Mujeres del Congo
Past exhibitions archive
Recently completed shows at National Museum of Anthropology
Review past exhibitions from National Museum of Anthropology to understand previous themes, curatorial direction, and the museum’s recent program history in Madrid.
Artistic watercolor illustration of an exhibition space featuring a red-framed screen displaying film strips, a spinning mirror projector dispersing light and images, and visitors interacting with installations, inspired by Iván Zulueta's experimental film and visual art.
Jan 15, 2026 – Feb 22, 2026

Reflejos: An Exhibition Inspired by Iván Zulueta at the National Anthropology Museum

Explore experimental film and contemporary installation art.

This exhibition at the National Anthropology Museum presents Marta Azparren and Esperanza Collado's installations. They reinterpret Iván Zulueta's visual universe, focusing on experimental cinema and the impact of images. Discover a unique perspective on media art.

Reflejos Exhibition Details
A watercolor artwork of a world map on the floor of a museum courtyard, with visitors walking around it, reflecting on global ecosystems and human impact.
Oct 11, 2025 – Jan 25, 2026

TANTOS MUNDOS EN ESTE: Marina Núñez Exhibition on Environmental Impact and Ecosystems

Explore visual poetry and ethical reflections on planetary sustainability.

Marina Núñez's exhibition explores humanity's impact on planetary ecosystems through compelling visual poetry. Immerse yourself in installations, videos, and digital prints, inviting ethical reflection on our collective future. Discover the artist's vision for environmental sustainability.

TANTOS MUNDOS EN ESTE
Watercolor illustration of a photography exhibition featuring portraits and scenes of daily life in Gaza, with silhouettes of people and UNRWA humanitarian efforts depicted in purple and blue tones.
Sep 23, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026

'Gaza Through Their Eyes': A Photographic Journey Documenting Daily Life and Aid Efforts

Explore human stories and UNRWA's critical humanitarian work in Gaza.

This exhibition features powerful photography showcasing the daily lives of two million people in the Gaza Strip. Learn about the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the essential aid provided by UNRWA España. It offers a crucial perspective on the region.

Exhibition Details
Watercolor illustration of visitors viewing a photography exhibition titled 'Miradas contra el estigma' featuring portraits and personal stories on mental health stigma in a museum gallery.
Jun 7, 2025 – Oct 12, 2025

Miradas contra el estigma: Photography & Mental Health at National Museum of Anthropology

Confronting mental health stigma through compelling visuals and personal stories.

This temporary exhibition features impactful photography by Miguel Ángel García and testimonies from individuals with lived experience. It aims to spark social dialogue and promote a more inclusive understanding of mental health in society.

Miradas contra el estigma
Watercolor illustration of a museum gallery with visitors viewing artwork, featuring arched ceilings, display cases, and purple-toned lighting, representing the exhibition 'NOSCE TE IPSUM: Membrum Fantasma' at the National Museum of Anthropology.
Apr 30, 2025 – Aug 31, 2025

Ayana V. Jackson's NOSCE TE IPSUM Exhibition at the National Museum of Anthropology

A critical reflection on museum history and societal stereotypes through art.

Discover Ayana V. Jackson's unique vision in 'NOSCE TE IPSUM: Membrum Fantasma.' The artist challenges historical stereotypes and institutional representations within the National Museum of Anthropology's collection. Experience compelling photography and mixed media that critically engage with cultural identity. Entry is free.

Exhibition Details
A watercolor illustration of plaster busts displayed in a museum vitrine, representing historical racial classification theories from the exhibition 'The Invention of Races'.
Apr 29, 2025 – Feb 1, 2026

La invención de las razas: A History of Race Science at National Anthropology Museum

Discover the controversial history of racial typologies through historical artifacts.

This exhibition explores how disciplines like phrenology and craniology misused artifacts such as busts to create artificial racial categories. Learn about the problematic legacy of pseudoscientific thought and its lasting impact on society's understanding of human diversity.

La invención de las razas
Watercolor illustration of a museum gallery with visitors viewing diverse contemporary artworks on display, part of the 'Nuevas Adquisiciones del MNA' exhibition at the National Museum of Anthropology.
Dec 20, 2024 – Feb 23, 2025

Nuevas Adquisiciones del MNA: New Contemporary Art at National Museum of Anthropology

Featuring works by Patrick Tagoe-Turkson and Sandra Gamarra.

Explore a selection of recent art acquisitions at the National Museum of Anthropology. This temporary exhibition highlights contemporary pieces that provide alternative cultural perspectives and contribute to ongoing dialogues.

New Acquisitions Exhibition
A watercolor illustration of an exhibition hall featuring black and white photographs of ancient megalithic structures from Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe, with visitors observing the artworks under purple-hued lighting.
Oct 12, 2024 – Jan 19, 2025

UNA NUEVA HISTORIA: Isabel Muñoz Photography at National Museum of Anthropology

Exploring Neolithic societies and cultural heritage through striking images.

Experience Isabel Muñoz's latest major project, 'UNA NUEVA HISTORIA'. This exhibition offers an anthropological look at Neolithic societies, showcasing stunning photographs of Anatolian archaeological sites. Entry is free.

Isabel Muñoz Exhibition
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