Madrid's museums are not cheap. All the more appealing is that you can visit one for free. And it's not just any small exhibition for connoisseurs — the National Museum of Science and Technology in Madrid has an extensive collection on display free of charge.
Its halls display scientific instruments, vehicles and technological equipment. Some exhibits were received as a gift from the royal court — for example, the collection of old cars, many of which already exist in only one copy. The oldest exhibits date back to the 16th century.
What does a geologist need to work? When did the first digital camera appear? What did the forerunner of the Large Hadron Collider look like? You'll find the answers in the museum if a child asks these questions.
The Museo nacional de ciencia y tecnología (MUNCYT) opened in 1980. It brings together the collections of significant science centres and allows everyone to learn about the history of science and technology.
The exhibits are from various fields: physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, industry and agriculture. You can see old arithmometers and the first computer technology, the prototype of a modern microscope and a copy of Edison's phonograph, a cross-section model of a tractor and a fantastic device called a saccharimeter, an IBM 650 computer and the cockpit of a Boeing 747. And then there are cars, music equipment, the first televisions, kitchen utensils and much more.
Madrid's Museum of Science and Technology displays only rarities, although some items have been out of use for quite some time (someone on tour must have used an 8-inch floppy disk). Despite the respectable age, all the exhibits are in perfect condition. Although the Museum of Science and Technology funds include around 15,000 items, around 400 items are on display. This is not a small number, but the tour won't be long and tedious.
In addition to the exhibitions, the halls of the museum often host conferences, entertainment and scientific events, educational seminars, collaborations in the training of science teachers, publishing catalogues and outreach work.
Next door to MUNCYT is the Madrid Railway Museum, where you can see old trains, carriages and much more related to the work of the railways.
