Discover Grilletes del galeón Nuestra Señora de Atocha: Shipwreck Artifacts Exhibition

This temporary exhibition at ARQVA features shackles recovered from the galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha. These artifacts, on loan from the Naval Museum of Cartagena, highlight Spain's underwater cultural heritage and shed light on maritime discipline and historical transatlantic trade.

The ARQVA museum presents 'Grilletes del galeón Nuestra Señora de Atocha' as a featured 'Guest Piece' ('Pieza invitada'), commencing March 24, 2026, and running for six months. This exhibition showcases shackles originating from the galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha, a vessel that met its end in Florida in 1622 during the reign of Philip IV, carrying a significant cargo of precious metals. These artifacts, belonging to the Naval Museum of Cartagena, are part of a program designed to highlight the value of Spanish underwater cultural heritage through temporary displays. The shackles served multiple purposes on board the galleon, including maintaining discipline among the crew and potentially in the context of the slave trade. The shipwreck of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha was discovered by Melvin Fisher in 1985, leading to subsequent recovery efforts by the Spanish state to reclaim artifacts. Pieces like these, now housed in institutions such as the Museum of the Americas and the Naval Museum, offer tangible evidence of the human transactions and transatlantic commerce that shaped history across continents. This exhibition invites visitors to contemplate the multifaceted stories these artifacts narrate, from their use on the galleon to their eventual recovery.

This is a temporary exhibition featuring a guest piece. Further details on admission and visiting hours can likely be found on the museum's permanent exhibition pages or general visitor information.