Introduction
Perched 155 meters above the Cantabrian Sea on the Rasa de San Telmo, the Museo del Jurásico de Asturias (MUJA) is a striking landmark on Spain’s "Dinosaur Coast." Located in the municipality of Colunga, near the picturesque village of Llastres, the museum was established in the early 2000s to showcase the region's extraordinary paleontological wealth. Its architecture is a masterpiece of symbolic design; the building is shaped like a massive tridactyl dinosaur footprint, with three distinct lobes representing the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods.
The MUJA is globally recognized for housing one of the most complete and didactic collections of dinosaur remains and trackways in existence. Because the surrounding Asturian coastline contains some of the most significant fossil sites in Europe, the museum serves as a vital scientific bridge between the prehistoric past and the modern day. Visitors can explore a vast array of life-sized replicas, authentic fossils, and interactive displays that narrate the evolution of life on Earth, making it a premier destination for both serious researchers and curious travelers.
A visit to the MUJA offers an immersive journey through time set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. Beyond the world-class exhibits, the museum’s privileged location provides panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay and the Picos de Europa mountains. Whether you are marveling at the towering skeletons in the central atrium or strolling through the outdoor park filled with life-sized prehistoric models, the museum provides an unforgettable educational experience that captures the imagination of all ages.
Highlights
- The MUJA Building by Rufino García Atadell (2004): This iconic architectural structure is shaped like a giant tridactyl dinosaur footprint and offers panoramic views of the Asturian coastline.
- Mating Tyrannosaurus rex Display by MUJA Scientific Team (2004): These two life-size skeletal reconstructions dominate the central atrium, capturing a rare and dynamic behavioral moment between the world's most famous predators.
- Giganotosaurus carolinii Reconstruction by MUJA Scientific Team (2004): This massive skeleton represents one of the largest terrestrial carnivores ever to exist, surpassing even the T-Rex in sheer size.
- Diplodocus carnegii Skeleton by MUJA Scientific Team (2004): Stretching across the Jurassic vault, this long-necked sauropod illustrates the immense scale of the herbivores that once roamed the Earth.
- The Asturian Ichnite Collection by Natural Fossilization (Jurassic Period): This world-class collection features original fossilized footprints recovered from the nearby "Coast of Dinosaurs," providing direct evidence of prehistoric movement.
- Plesiosaur Skeleton by MUJA Scientific Team (2004): Suspended in the marine reptiles section, this reconstruction showcases the unique flippers and long neck of the predators that ruled the Mesozoic oceans.
- Camptosaurus Skeleton by MUJA Scientific Team (2004): This detailed mount represents a classic Late Jurassic ornithopod, highlighting the evolutionary transition toward more complex herbivorous dinosaurs.
Getting There
The Museo del Jurásico de Asturias (MUJA) is situated on the Rasa de San Telmo, a location that offers exceptional panoramic views of the Cantabrian Sea and the fishing port of Llastres, with the Sierra del Sueve and the Picos de Europa visible to the south and east.
By Car
The museum is easily reached via the A8 highway. Drivers should take Exit 337 toward Colunga. Once in the town of Colunga, follow the AS-257 road in the direction of Llastres to reach the museum site at Rasa de San Telmo.
Public Transport
Local bus services provide access to the museum area. Visitors can find step-by-step instructions and updated bus schedules for Colunga through transit platforms such as Moovit.
Taxi and Walking
The museum is located just a short distance from the center of Colunga. The trip from the town takes approximately 6 minutes, making taxis a quick and affordable option for reaching the entrance. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the route from Colunga can also be traveled on foot, providing a scenic approach to the coastal plateau.
Parking
Vehicle access is available directly at the museum site on the Rasa de San Telmo, accessible via the AS-257.
Admission & Opening Hours
Opening Hours
When planning your trip to the Museo del Jurásico de Asturias, please note that the museum follows a specific weekly schedule and is closed to the public on both Mondays and Tuesdays. From Wednesday through Friday, the museum is open from 10:00 to 17:00. On weekends, the hours are slightly extended, with the doors open on Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 to 18:30.
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 10:00-17:00
- Thursday: 10:00-17:00
- Friday: 10:00-17:00
- Saturday: 10:30-18:30
- Sunday: 10:30-18:30
Admission
Current entry fees and ticket options are not listed here. To confirm pricing and purchase tickets, please check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Nearby Attractions
- Playa de la Griega (1.2 km, 15 mins): A popular sandy beach located at the base of the museum’s hill that features a coastal path leading to ancient dinosaur tracks.
- Yacimiento de Icnitas de la Playa de la Griega (1.5 km, 20 mins): A significant paleontological site along the shore where visitors can view some of the largest fossilized dinosaur footprints in the world.
- Lastres (2.5 km, 35 mins): A picturesque fishing village known for its traditional Asturian architecture and steep, narrow streets overlooking the Cantabrian Sea.
- Colunga (2.2 km, 30 mins): A
Know Before You Go
Accessibility
- The museum is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all visitors can navigate the site comfortably.
Photography
- Photography is a popular activity for visitors. It is recommended to have your camera ready to capture the various displays and the unique setting of the museum.
Best Time to Visit
- To enjoy a more quiet and relaxed experience, consider planning your visit for a weekday. Arriving early in the day can also help you avoid the busiest periods.
Facilities
- The museum provides on-site facilities to ensure a convenient and comfortable experience for all guests during their visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Museo del Jurásico de Asturias (MUJA)? A: MUJA is a specialized museum dedicated to the Mesozoic Era, housing one of the world's most complete and didactic collections regarding dinosaurs and other Jurassic reptiles. It serves as a primary cultural landmark for the "Dinosaur Coast" of Asturias.
Q: Where is the museum located? A: The museum is situated on the Rasa de San Telmo, near the parish of Llastres in the municipality of Colunga, Spain. It sits at a privileged elevation of 155 meters above sea level, overlooking the Cantabrian coastline.
Q: What is unique about the museum’s architecture? A: The building itself is a piece of art; it is designed in the shape of a massive tridactyl (three-toed) dinosaur footprint. This singular design makes it one of the most recognizable modern landmarks in the Principality of Asturias.
Q: How do I get to MUJA by car? A: Travelers should take the A8 motorway and use Exit 337 toward Colunga. Once you arrive in Colunga, follow the AS-257 road in the direction of Llastres to find the museum entrance.
Q: Is there public transportation available to the site? A: Yes, visitors can reach the museum using local bus services in Colunga. You can check updated schedules and step-by-step transit instructions on platforms like Moovit or Rome2rio.
Q: What can I see in the permanent exhibition? A: The permanent collection offers a comprehensive journey through the era of the great reptiles. It features a wide array of fossils, skeletons, and educational displays that explain the evolution and habitat of dinosaurs that once roamed the Asturian coast.
Q: Does the museum offer scenic views? A: Yes, the museum’s location provides exceptional panoramic vistas. From the grounds, you can see:
- The Cantabrian Sea and the picturesque fishing port of Llastres.
- The Sierra del Sueve to the south.
- The Picos de Europa mountain range to the east.
Q: Is the museum suitable for families and children? A: Absolutely. The museum is highly didactic and designed to be engaging for all ages. Its focus on fascinating prehistoric reptiles and its spacious outdoor areas make it a premier destination for families visiting Northern Spain.
Q: How long does it take to travel from the town of Colunga to the museum? A: The trip is very short; it typically takes only about 6 minutes by car or taxi from the center of Colunga to the museum gates.
Q: Why was this specific location chosen for the museum? A: While other sites like Ribadesella were initially considered, Colunga was selected in the late 1990s due to its proximity to significant paleontological sites and its stunning natural landscape on the Rasa de San Telmo.