Introduction
Tucked away in the leafy Ciudad Universitaria district of Madrid, the Museo de Zoología Ibérica "Antonio Notario" offers a fascinating window into the natural world of the Iberian Peninsula. As an integral part of the Technical University of Madrid (UPM), specifically housed within the School of Forest Engineering and Natural Resources, this university museum serves as both a vital research hub and a hidden gem for science enthusiasts. Named in honor of the distinguished professor Antonio Notario, the museum preserves a rich academic heritage while continuing to educate visitors on the delicate balance of Spain's diverse ecosystems.
The museum’s significance lies in its meticulously curated collections, which document the vast faunal diversity of the region. A primary highlight is the Antonio del Cerro Arthropod collection, a massive repository featuring approximately 7,000 specimens and 85 distinct species of Orthoptera and Dermaptera. These specimens, largely collected from the rugged Sierra de Cazorla during the mid-1970s, provide an invaluable historical record of Spanish biodiversity. Beyond insects, the museum’s displays offer a comprehensive look at the species that inhabit the forests and mountains of Iberia, making it a cornerstone for zoological study in the capital.
For travelers looking to venture beyond Madrid’s mainstream art galleries, this museum provides a unique, intellectual escape. It is a must-visit for nature lovers, budding entomologists, and anyone curious about the scientific history of Spanish forestry. Because the museum operates within an active university setting, visits are arranged by prior appointment (via [visitas.montes@upm.es](mailto:visitas.montes@upm.es)), offering a quiet, intimate experience far removed from the city's crowded tourist hubs. It is a rare opportunity to step inside a working academic environment and witness the dedication required to catalog and conserve the natural heritage of the Mediterranean.
Highlights
- Sierra de Cazorla Orthoptera Series by Antonio del Cerro (1975–1977): This massive collection includes over 7,000 specimens of grasshoppers and crickets that document the insect biodiversity of one of Spain's most important natural parks.
- Iberian Forest Pest Exhibit by Antonio Notario (c. 1980): A detailed display of entomological specimens that illustrates the impact of various insect species on the health and management of Spanish timberlands.
- Native Mammal Taxidermy Collection by UPM Zoology Unit (Various): A wide-ranging assembly of preserved mammals that provides a close-up look at the predatory and herbivorous species native to the Iberian Peninsula.
- Cazorla Dermaptera Collection by Antonio del Cerro (1976): This specialized scientific series features rare earwig species collected during extensive fieldwork in the mountains of Jaén.
- Forest Avian Reference Series by UPM Faculty of Forestry (20th Century): A diverse array of mounted bird specimens used to educate students on the ecological roles of woodland birds within Mediterranean forests.
- Iberian Coleoptera Selection by Antonio Notario (Late 20th Century): A curated display of beetles that highlights the morphological variety and environmental significance of these insects in the Spanish landscape.
- Vertebrate Osteology Collection by UPM Research Unit (Various): A series of articulated skeletons and skulls designed for the comparative anatomical study of Spain’s indigenous wildlife.
- Historical Forest Entomology Archives by Antonio Notario (c. 1970–1990): A collection of preserved specimens and research data that serves as a vital record for the study of forest health in Spain over the last several decades.
Getting There
The Museo de Zoología Ibérica "Antonio Notario" is located within the Edificio Montes on the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) campus.
Public Transport
The museum is well-connected to Madrid’s public transit network:
- Metro: The nearest stations are Ciudad Universitaria (Line 6) and Vicente Aleixandre (Line 6).
- Bus: Several routes serve the campus area, including lines 82, 132, F, G, and I.
Walking
The museum is situated at Calle Antonio Novais, 10. Visitors can easily walk to the Edificio Montes from the Ciudad Universitaria metro station or from other points within the university grounds.
Taxi and Car
If traveling by car or taxi, use the address Calle Antonio Novais, 10, 28040 Madrid. While the administrative orientation address is C. de José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2, the physical collection is housed in the Edificio Montes within the Ciudad Universitaria district. Visitors arriving by car should be aware that parking is subject to university campus regulations and availability.
Admission & Opening Hours
Opening Hours
The museum welcomes visitors from Tuesday through Sunday, though it remains closed to the public every Monday. From Tuesday to Friday, the galleries are open from 10:00 to 17:00. On weekends, the museum offers extended visiting hours, remaining open from 10:00 to 20:00 on both Saturday and Sunday.
Admission
Specific admission rates and ticketing policies are not currently listed. Visitors are encouraged to check the official website for the most up-to-date information regarding entry fees and booking requirements.
Nearby Attractions
- Real Jardín Botánico Alfonso XIII (450m, 6 min): A sprawling university botanical garden that showcases diverse Mediterranean flora and hosts various seasonal cultural events.
- Museo de América (900m, 12 min): This museum houses extensive collections of art, archaeology, and ethnography from across the Americas, ranging from the Pre-Columbian era to the colonial period.
- Faro de Moncloa (1.0km, 13 min): A striking 92-meter observation tower providing 360-degree panoramic views of the Madrid skyline and the distant Sierra de Guadarrama.
- Museo del Traje (1.1km, 15 min): A specialized national museum dedicated to the history of Spanish fashion, featuring a vast collection of historical garments and contemporary designs.
Know Before You Go
Accessibility
- The museum is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that the collections are available to all visitors.
Photography
- Photography is generally permitted for personal use. It is recommended to check with staff upon arrival regarding any specific restrictions on flash photography or the use of tripods to help protect the specimens.
Best Time to Visit
- To enjoy a more quiet and contemplative experience, consider visiting during weekday mornings. Because the museum is located within the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) campus, it is advisable to verify opening times in advance as they may be subject to the university's academic calendar.
Facilities
- Specific on-site services are not specified for this location. Visitors are encouraged to plan their trip accordingly, keeping in mind that the museum is situated within a larger university environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Museo de Zoología Ibérica "Antonio Notario"? A: It is a specialized university museum belonging to the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM). It is managed by the Zoology Unit within the School of Forest Engineering and Natural Resources (ETSMFMN) and focuses on the study and display of Iberian wildlife.
Q: Where is the museum located? A: The museum is located in the Ciudad Universitaria district of Madrid at Calle Antonio Novais, nº 10, Edificio Montes, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
Q: How can I visit the museum? A: Because it is a university facility, you must arrange your visit in advance. To schedule an appointment, send an email to [visitas.montes@upm.es](mailto:visitas.montes@upm.es).
Q: What are the best public transport options to get there? A: You can reach the museum via Metro Line 6, stopping at either Ciudad Universitaria or Vicente Aleixandre. Additionally, several bus lines serve the campus, including the 82, 132, F, G, and I.
Q: What are the main highlights of the vertebrate collection? A: The museum features a comprehensive collection of Iberian vertebrates displayed as naturalized specimens, skeletons, and skins. While all orders are represented, the collection of birds is particularly notable for its variety and detail.
Q: What is the Antonio del Cerro collection? A: This is a significant entomological collection housed within the museum. It consists of approximately 7,000 specimens and 85 species of Orthoptera (grasshoppers and crickets) and Dermaptera (earwigs) captured in the Sierra de Cazorla between 1975 and 1977.
Q: Is the museum part of a specific university department? A: Yes, the museum is part of the Department of Natural Systems and Resources (Zoology Unit) at the Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Montes, Forestal y del Medio Natural of the UPM.
Q: What kind of specimens can I expect to see? A: Visitors can see a diverse range of Iberian fauna, including naturalized (taxidermy) mammals and birds, as well as unique anatomical displays such as specialized skeletons and insect cabinets.
Q: Who was Antonio Notario? A: The museum is named after Antonio Notario, reflecting its heritage as a center for academic research and the preservation of Spanish biological diversity within the forestry engineering community.
Q: Is the museum open to the general public? A: While primarily an academic and research institution, the museum welcomes visitors who have made a prior appointment via their official contact email.