Museo Geominero Madrid

A Madrid gem

Andrea from Madrid

""Museo Geominero" Madrid is quite the hidden gem. Even locals don't know about it, and its collections of things unearthed is astonishing. It's also free!"

What's in the Museo Geominero? Well, pretty much everything that's ever been dug out of the ground in Spain. Minerals, fossils, dinosaur bones, human skulls and arrowheads. This delightful but little-known Madrid museum also boasts a stunning collection of precious stones from around the world.

The building itself is amazing; the stained glass ceilings and four floors of galleries which are flanked with beautiful display cabinets are a visual treat. You access the galleries by tiny corkscrew staircases; the kids will love it!

Another plus is that it's nearly always empty, and it's usually an oasis of peace. There are red velvet banquettes where you can sit and write your postcards or edit your Instagrams or whatever if you are really not interested in minerals. Saturday is the busiest day, but even then it’s pretty peaceful. Also, it's right by Calle Ponzano of cool restaurant fame, so if you have half an hour to kill before Spanish lunchtime starts (14:00) step inside the Geominero Museum.

Oh, and did I mention it was free? I know! Don't forget I.D. though - they won't let you inside without some.

Art & culture

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Madrid Spotter Andrea

About Me I am a teacher and examiner who made a home in Madrid many years ago. I love live music, art, books, travel, food and dancing and am well served for all my interests in Madrid. I live on a special plane where I exist as an eternal tourist (check out Alain de Botton’s book The Art of Travel) who maintains a sense of wonder in a familiar place. I love showing people round my favourite spots in Madrid but am never happier than when I am discovering new gems. Why Madrid Madrid seduced me when I first visited, with its untamed and unapologetic Spanishness. We came ...

About this spot

Calle de Ríos Rosas, 23

€

free

Website

913495759

Social

Nov 10, 2025

Our Madrid City Guide

Find your way with 266 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Madrid guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Madrid

Mauthausen Memorial

Republican Victims remembered

The largest piece represents the Liberty Gate; three large columns, inscribed with the names of all the deportees, are 'the trees of dreams.'

Art & culture

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 27, 2025

FMCMP

Spanish art in a brand new space

FMCMP in Madrid is a quiet, elegant space that still feels fresh. It is a fantastic museum and I can't think of a better place to spend an hour!

Art & culture

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 27, 2025

Slow Café

A standout coffee spot

It’s really cosy but airy at the same time - there’s room enough between the variety of seating arrangements for one not to feel boxed in.

Coffee & tea

Relaxing

Snacks

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 26, 2025

Monument to Victims of Terrorism

Lest we forget

The monument, named “Recuerdo Vivo” (living memory) honours all 1429 victims of terrorism in Madrid and was installed in 2023.

Art & culture

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 26, 2025

Caravan Serai

Where cocktails become works of art

This hidden gem, located in the Malasaña neighborhood, is a testament to the art of mixology and offers an experience that transcends the ordinary.

Bars

Álvaro

Martínez Ponce

Nov 26, 2025

Vino y Compañía

Wine a bit – why not!

This fantastic wine shop, Vino y Compañía is the place to discover the wonderful variety and quality of wine on offer in Spain. Come with an open mind!