This Museum owes its name to theHospital de Santa Cruz built on a plot of land given to the Queen Isabel La Católica. According to the provisions of Cardinal Mendoza in his will, with his assets a hospital would be built where he could heal the sick and above all pick up abandoned and homeless children. The design of the building reflects the interest in the principles of hygiene and health of the time, with great ventilation and taking advantage of sunlight.
The first project was the work of Enrique Egas, and in just ten years the hospital and the first cloister would have been built. The work was continued by the royal architect of Charles V, Alonso de Covarrubias, who intervened in the construction of the main patio, the façade and the magnificent staircase. The architectural ensemble is a brilliant mix of Gothic, late Spanish-Flemish and Renaissance style with Plateresque decorations. Disentailed since 1836, it had different uses until its inauguration as a museum in 1930. In this Museum the collections of the old Provincial Archaeological Museum were exhibited. Currently the museum collects a wide variety of archaeological remains and samples of local art. The pieces on display range from the Neolithic to the Renaissance, configuring a wide catalog from prehistoric lithic instruments to pictorial works from the Baroque period. Among the archaeological collection, a large elephant head from the Paleolithic era stands out, a large Roman mosaic found in a villa in the city, and a marble well curb, dating from the 11th century , found in the vicinity of the current cathedral. Of the pictorial collection, the works of El Greco stand out, such as the Veronica with the Holy Face or the Annunciation of Oballe, completed a year before his death. You can also see paintings by Luca Giordano, José by Ribera and a sculptural work by Berruguete.
Every day of the week
Monday to Saturday: 10:00-18:00 hrs
Sundays: 09:00-15:00 hrs