The National Museum of Roman Art is housed inside an impressive-looking building that recreates the grandeur of ancient Roman structures. Within the exhibition halls and galleries, see ceramics, sculptures, tombstones, mosaics and paintings from Mérida’s period as a Roman colony.
On the ground floor, find pieces that once adorned buildings for public entertainment. These pieces include a statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, which formerly sat in the Roman Theatre. See a mockup of Mérida in Roman times and study mosaic floors and murals that help to recreate the interior of a Roman house. Also on this level are statues from Eastern religions and cults as well as objects excavated from funerary sites.
Go down into the museum’s crypt to see the remains of several Roman houses that were found when excavating the site. Then head up to the second floor for the displays of Roman pottery, glassware, coins, luxury ceramics and oil lamps.
On the top floor, study the many examples of Roman epigraphy or inscriptions. These provide insights into numerous aspects of Roman life and society, such as professions, local government and migrations. View inscriptions from public buildings, monuments and tombstones and explore two rooms dedicated to portraits and busts of private individuals. Temporary exhibitions are also presented on this level.
The museum's main building is located next to the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre, within walking distance of bus stops and a garage where you can pay to park. The museum is open every day except Monday and some public holidays, such as Christmas Day and New Year's Day. There is an entrance fee, but senior citizens, the unemployed, children under age 18 and disabled visitors pay nothing. Admission is free for all on Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday.
After your visit to the National Museum of Roman Art, discover the museum's Visigoth Collection, which is housed in the Church of Santa Clara and has similar opening hours. It is located next to the Plaza de España and features marble works from the 4th to 8th centuries.