Museum of Navarre

Located in the heart of Pamplona, the Museum of Navarre (Museo de Navarra) is a treasure trove of history and art, offering visitors an immersive journey through the rich cultural heritage of the Navarre region. Housed in a former hospital, this museum seamlessly blends the old with the new, providing a fascinating insight into the region's past while showcasing its artistic achievements.

The Historical Context

The origins of the Museum of Navarre can be traced back to the mid-19th century when the need to preserve the region's cultural heritage became apparent. The idea of establishing a provincial museum was first proposed in 1844 with the creation of the Commission of Historical and Artistic Monuments of Navarre. Over the years, this commission collected various artifacts, paintings, and sculptures, laying the groundwork for the museum we see today.

It wasn't until June 28, 1910, that the Artistic-Archaeological Museum of Navarre was officially established in the Chamber of Comptos Reales. This museum served as the direct predecessor to the current Museum of Navarre, which was founded on June 24, 1956. The present-day museum is housed in the building that once served as the Hospital of Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia, a 16th-century structure that retains its Plateresque facade and Renaissance chapel, the only example of civil architecture from that period in Pamplona.

The Building

The Museum of Navarre is located in the historic center of Pamplona, at Cuesta de Santo Domingo 47. The building itself is a work of art, with its Plateresque facade crafted by Juan de Villarreal and Martín de Azcárate in 1556. This facade is a reinterpretation of the classical triumphal arch, adorned with rich ornamental details typical of the Plateresque style.

The museum's chapel, which now serves as an auditorium, was designed by Juan de Ancheta between 1547 and 1550. This Gothic-Renaissance chapel features a 17th-century altarpiece facade that originally belonged to a church located in Puente la Reina. The chapel's interior is a testament to the architectural prowess of the time, making it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.

In 1952, the building underwent a significant transformation to become a museum, with architect José Yárnoz Larrosa leading the renovation. Further modernization and reorganization were carried out in 1986 by architects Jordi Garcés and Enric Soria, who aimed to create a more public-oriented space. Today, the museum boasts over 7,700 square meters of exhibition space spread across six floors, each dedicated to different historical periods and themes.

Thematic Distribution

The Museum of Navarre's exhibits are organized thematically across its six floors:

• Floor -1: Prehistory
• Floor 0: Roman
• Floor 1: Roman, Preromanesque, Muslim, Romanesque, and Gothic
• Floor 2: Gothic and Renaissance
• Floor 3: Baroque and 19th Century
• Floor 4: 20th Century

Notable Pieces

The museum's collection is vast and varied, featuring artifacts from different periods of Navarre's history. Some of the most notable pieces include:

• The Abauntz Map: A Paleolithic stone with a bas-relief that is possibly the oldest known map in Western Europe.
• Roman Mosaics: Including the Mosaic of Andelos, which depicts the Triumph of Bacchus, and the Mosaic of the Villa of El Ramalete in Tudela.
• The Togado of Pompelo: A unique bronze statue from the Roman forum of Pompelo, one of the few bronze examples preserved worldwide.
• The Leyre Casket: A masterpiece of Islamic art from around 1000 AD.
• Gothic and Renaissance Murals: Including works by Juan Oliver and murals from the Palace of Óriz depicting the War of Saxony and the Battle of Mühlberg.
• San Jerónimo Penitent: A sculpture by Juan de Ancheta.
• A Portrait of the Marquis of San Adrián by Francisco de Goya.

The Numismatic Collection

The Museum of Navarre also houses an impressive numismatic collection, comprising around 15,000 pieces, including coins, medals, and other monetary artifacts. This collection is one of the most significant in the world, showcasing the history of currency in Navarre over twenty centuries.

In 2001, the museum organized an exhibition to mark the transition from the peseta to the euro, displaying nearly 3,000 pieces from its numismatic collection. This exhibition highlighted the importance of the collection and led to improvements in its conservation and display.

In conclusion, the Museum of Navarre is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of the Navarre region. With its impressive collection of artifacts, stunning architecture, and well-organized exhibits, the museum offers a captivating journey through the history and art of this fascinating region.