Cartagena Archaeological Museum reopens with a fresh look and new exhibition

After closing for refurbishment over the summer, the museum is ready to reopen with improved displays and a new exhibition celebrating the history of fashion

After a summer spent carrying out refurbishment work, Cartagena's Enrique Escudero de Castro Archaeological Museum is ready to reopen its doors on Wednesday September 30.

The work has included improvements to the museum's garden and reception area, as well as changes to the exhibition spaces inside. The ground floor has had an extensive makeover, with the display cases adapted and new pieces added to the permanent collection.

The collection of sculptures and architectural decoration has also been expanded, while new information panels have been introduced to make the displays easier to follow as visitors make their way around the museum.

September's reopening also brings a new temporary exhibition, 'Plastihistoria del Traje', which takes visitors through the changing fashions and clothing of different periods in history.

It has a strong local connection, as items from Cartagena's Roman past feature alongside original clothing and other pieces from the city's Modernist period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Traditional dress and other objects from Cartagena's ethnographic heritage have also been loaned for the exhibition by the 'Ciudad de Cartagena' Folklore Group from La Palma. The local pieces add another dimension to the exhibition, showing how clothing has changed in Cartagena from Roman times through to the city's Modernist period and traditional dress.

Ignacio Jáudenes, councillor for Culture, said the reopening and temporary exhibition form part of the town hall's commitment to preserving the city's heritage and making its history accessible to the public.
The museum is free to enter and will open from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm from Monday to Friday. Saturday and Sunday opening hours are 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

For anyone who hasn't visited for a while, September 30 could be a good excuse to pop back in and see what's changed.

See also: Autumn Officially Arrives In Spain This Week As Days Start Getting Shorter

Image: museoarqueologico.cartagena.es