Museo Del Teatro Romano (Roman Theater Museum of Cartagena), Cartagena

The Roman Theater Museum of Cartagena, designed by architect Rafael Moneo, opened its doors on July 11, 2008. This exceptional institution is dedicated to the excavation, restoration, and preservation of the Roman theater of Cartagena, unveiling an archaeological treasure that remained hidden for centuries. The discovery of this theater in 1988 sheds new light on the historical importance of Cartagena in ancient Hispania during the Roman Empire.

The Roman theater remained concealed for so long due to the constant human activity in the area. Over time, various structures were built on top of its ruins, including part of the Cartagena Cathedral. This ongoing development obscured the theater's existence and led to its absence in historical records.

Architect Rafael Moneo's project aimed not only to restore the Roman theater but also to seamlessly integrate it into the city's urban fabric. It encompassed the theater's maintenance, conservation, and educational exhibition, accompanied by the construction of an adjoining museum and research center.

While the Roman Theater Museum offers a comprehensive glimpse into this historical gem, it's essential to note that many artifacts from the theater's era are housed in the Municipal Archaeological Museum of Cartagena. The Roman Theater Museum's collection serves as a prelude to the main attraction, preparing visitors for their exploration of the Roman theater itself.

To access the museum, visitors enter the Riquelme Palace, situated in one of Cartagena's most iconic areas, close to the Cartagena Town Hall Palace. The museum spans two interconnected buildings, linked by an underground tunnel beneath the street. The Riquelme Palace houses the entrance hall, assembly room, cafeteria, museum shop, a temporary exhibition space, and a corridor detailing the theater's history. The second building hosts the museum's permanent collections and provides access to the awe-inspiring Roman theater.