Created in 1974, it is situated on the ground floor of the Castle of Bellver, of Majorcan Gothic style and built in the early fourteenth century by order of King James II of Mallorca. It is the only circular castle in Spain, in center of which is the courtyard where one can access the museum and the rest of the premises. It features pieces from archaeological excavations, models of the Nautical School of the Real Patrimonio and a collection of objects related to Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos (1744-1811), famous enlightened Spanish writer and politician who has been imprisoned in the castle. It also presents a collection of classical sculpture collected by Antonio Despuig i Dameto (1745 - 1813), a leading figure of Majorcan Enlightenment of the eighteenth century.
Recently two new galleries have been added, dedicated to twentieth-century Palma, with an interactive tour of the major reforms undertaken since the demolition of the walls in 1902, until the approval of the Special Plans of Internal Reform towards the end of the century. The admission to the museum allows visiting the castle.
General admission: 4 €
Residents in Palma: 2.50 €
Pensioners, seniors, students and youth from 14 to 18 years: 2 €
Sundays and bank holidays: free (under 14 years, schools, groups of seniors, disabled and teachers)
From November to February
Monday: 8:30 to 13:00 h. Tuesday to Saturday: from 8:30 to 17:00 h. Sunday and holidays: from 10:00 to 17:00 h.
September, October, March and April
Monday: 8:30 to 13:00 h. Tuesday to Saturday: from 10:00 to 18:00 h. Sunday and holidays: from 10:00 to 18:00 h.
From May to August
Monday: 8:30 to 13:00 h. Tuesday to Saturday: from 8:30 to 20:00 h. Sunday and holidays: from 10:00 to 20:00 h.
Schedules may be changed due to events organized by the city of Palma
