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MNAT Tarragona – Roman Archaeology at Tinglado 4 Exhibition

Visit MNAT’s Tinglado 4 exhibition to see iconic Roman statues, mosaics and daily‑life artefacts in a modern waterfront space. Entry includes the Roman Christian Necropolis

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About National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona (MNAT)

While the main Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona (MNAT) building in Plaça del Rei undergoes refurbishment, many of its most important pieces are displayed in Tinglado 4, a restored early‑20th‑century port warehouse on the Costa Wharf in the Serrallo district. This temporary venue allows visitors to explore the history of Roman Tarraco in a spacious, modern exhibition space beside the waterfront.

Tinglado 4 was originally built as a passenger terminal for the Port of Tarragona. In 1986, the building and the surrounding Costa Wharf complex were retired from port operations and converted into cultural spaces. Although no visible remains of the ancient Roman harbour survive here, this location is symbolically significant: it stands near the point where Roman troops first disembarked in 218 BC, establishing the military base that would grow into the capital of Hispania Citerior.

The exhibition traces the evolution of Tarraco from its origins as a strategic military outpost to its development as a prosperous Roman colony. Displays explore the city’s political importance, its monumental architecture, and the daily life of its inhabitants. Visitors will find sculptures, mosaics, inscriptions and everyday objects that illustrate how Tarraco became one of the most influential cities in the western Mediterranean.

The surrounding Serrallo neighbourhood and port area also reflect Tarragona’s long maritime history. While the Roman harbour has long since disappeared beneath later developments, the port continued to expand through the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, supporting cargo, fishing and passenger traffic. Today, the area blends historic port heritage with modern cultural spaces, making Tinglado 4 a fitting temporary home for MNAT’s collection.

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Visiting National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona (MNAT)

The temporary MNAT exhibition in Tinglado 4 brings together some of the most iconic pieces from the National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona while the main Plaça del Rei building is being refurbished. Highlights include the famous ivory doll, the Medusa relief, the statue of Antinous and the portrait of Emperor Lucius Verus, along with mosaics, inscriptions and everyday objects from Roman Tarraco.

The exhibition is spacious, modern and easy to navigate, with clear interpretive panels that explain the political, social and artistic development of the Roman city. Audio guides are available in Catalan, Spanish, English and French, and the layout makes the museum suitable for families and casual visitors as well as archaeology enthusiasts.

A ticket to the MNAT includes entry to both the Tinglado 4 exhibition and the Roman Christian Necropolis, located a short distance away.

Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona – Opening Hours

Accessibility to the National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona

The MNAT exhibition in Tinglado 4 is located entirely on a single floor at street level, offering excellent accessibility for visitors with reduced mobility. The entrance from the Costa Wharf promenade is flat and step‑free, making it suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs.

Inside, the exhibition space is wide, open and easy to navigate, with smooth flooring and generous circulation areas around the displays. All interpretive panels, sculptures and artefacts can be viewed without the need to climb stairs or ramps.

Seating areas are available throughout the museum, and the surrounding waterfront paths in the Serrallo district are also level and accessible, providing a comfortable approach to the building.

National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona (MNAT) Summary of Prices

Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Adult € 16.10 € 4.00 Pensioners, students and Groups €2 Child € 16.10 FREE For under 16 year olds, Unemployed, disability certificate Group/Family Ticket? Yes, see website Free Entry? First Sunday of each month

Getting to National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona (MNAT)

Address: Tinglado 4, Serallo Costa Wharf, Tarragona, 43004

For detailed directions, see the #getting to section of the Tarragona overview page, which explains how to reach Tarragona by train, car or bus.

Map forNational Archaeological Museum of Tarragona (MNAT)

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Tags for National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona (MNAT)

Discover Roman Tarragona Museum Roman Catalunya 1 to 2 hours by train or bus 10 to 25 Euros Museum Free Days

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