Museu Nacional Arqueologic de Tarragona (National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona), Tarragona

The National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona, established in the mid-nineteenth century as a Provincial Museum, holds the distinction of being the oldest institution of its kind in Catalonia. Throughout its rich history, it has evolved into a pivotal center dedicated to the recovery, preservation, research, and dissemination of the cultural heritage of the Roman city of Tarraco and its surrounding regions.

Situated in modern Tarragona, the museum grapples with the historical and monumental significance of Tarraco. It faces the challenges of its location within a city that has grown and developed over time. As a response, the National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona has directed its research programs towards investigating, preserving, and showcasing the Roman world, the Romanization of the Iberian Peninsula, and Tarraco's pivotal role as the capital of one of the largest provinces in the Roman Empire.

In addition to housing the Archaeological Museum, the MNAT oversees the Early Christian Museum and Necropolis, along with the Roman villas of Els Munts (Altafulla) and Centcelles (Constantí). The organizational purview extends to iconic monuments such as the Arch of Berà and Scipios’ Tower, situated along the Via Augusta, as well as the ongoing restoration of the Roman Theatre. This comprehensive approach allows the MNAT to offer a multifaceted exploration of the rich archaeological and historical heritage of Tarragona and its Roman past.