Spain Guide
Extremadura
The Museo Nacional de Arte Romano
Opening time: March– Nov Tues– Sat 10am–2pm & 4–9pm, Sun 10am–2pm; Dec– Feb Tues– Sat 10am–2pm & 4–6pm, Sun 10am–2pm
Price: €2.40, free Sat pm & Sun am; not include in combined ticket to Roman sites
The Museo Nacional de Arte Romano , constructed in 1986 above the Roman walls, is a wonderfully light, accessible building, using a free interpretation of classical forms to present the mosaics and sculpture as if emerging from the ruins. The exhibits, displayed on three levels of the basilica-like hall, include statues from the theatre, the Roman villa of Mithraeus and the vanished forum, and a number of mosaics – the largest being hung on the walls so that they can be examined at each level.
Individually, the finest exhibits are probably the three statues, displayed together, depicting Augustus, the first Roman emperor; his son Tiberius, the second emperor; and Drusus, Augustus's heir apparent until (it is alleged) he was murdered by Livia, Tiberius's mother.