MARQ and its Thematic Galleries

1.What is Archaeology?

Archaeology is the study of humankind through the material remains we leave behind. We refer to “material remains” rather than just “objects” as archaeology is not just about studying things made by people (pots, coins, tools made of stone, bone, metal or any other material.) but also covers any physical remains associated with human activity.  This could be animal remains (bones) that were a source of food, the remains of seeds from fruit that were eaten or charcoal remains of wood from houses.

So, where do the archaeological remains come from? People often think that these ancient remains, which we study and keep in our museums, are discovered by chance, rather than deliberately searched for. Many believe that archaeological investigations are unplanned and randomly undertaken. But that is not the case.

Excavación arqueológica

It is true that many remains are discovered by chance during the construction of a building, a road or another type of development project.  However, a huge number of artefacts are found by research investigations carried out in places where we know that remains exist.

But, how do you know if there are any ancient remains before you undertake an excavation? We need to carry out prior research and ground surveys. An “archaeological survey” is the exploration of an area of land to record the archaeological remains there. Although surveys do not include excavations, they often find evidence of ancient occupation. For example, as part of a survey of caves in a mountainous valley, you could find rock paintings or fragments of prehistoric objects.  These indicate which caves were occupied during prehistory and enable archaeologists to be able to identify which are the most interesting sites to carry out further investigation in the future. The results of this work will generate lots more archaeological finds which will end up in a museum.

Of course, even the specialists do not know where all of the archaeological sites are. There are many sites still to be discovered (and many may never be found). But we can carry out lots of studies on the ones we do know about. 

MARQ and its Thematic Galleries

2.What is an Archaeology Museum?

According to the Valencian Cultural Heritage Law (4/1998, June 11th) a museum is “a non-profit making institution dedicated to the procurement, care, study, display and dissemination of cultural heritage objects for the purposes of scientific and cultural research, enjoyment and public benefit”. This lengthy definition covers all the functions that a museum carries out: it protects ancient objects, studies them, furthers our understanding through publication and exhibits them to the public.

This definition covers other types of museums, such as art and paleontology (fossils). These also have the same aims: to care for, study and make their collections public. 

It is important to emphasize the words “non-profit,” as a museum does not make a profit or other economic benefit for its work. A museum does this as a public service for society. 

Museo Arqueológico Provincial en el Palacio de la Diputación de Alicante
Hospital Provincial de Alicante en El Barrio de El Plata de Bon Repos
Museo Arqueológico Provincial en el Palacio de la Diputación de Alicante
Hospital Provincial en los años 20

What should I do if I find an ancient object by chance?

Click here to find out

Spanish Heritage Law states that it is a crime to keep any archaeological artefacts you find. This is because all archaeological finds belong to everyone. Even qualified archaeologists do not own the objects they find or study – and the same therefore applies to the public. It is very important to remember this, as most people believe that they can keep whatever they find. We believe that the only person with the right to own an archaeological object is the person who made it or owned it in the past – and not us. And, as this is not possible, then all ancient objects belong to us all, and should be kept in a public space: THE MUSEUM.

MARQ and its Thematic Galleries

3.What is MARQ?

The name MARQ signifies Museum (M-) of Archaeology (-ARQ) in Alicante. MARQ is the present day incarnation of the former Alicante Provincial Museum of Archaeology and Fine Arts. The original museum, located on the bottom floor of the Provincial Council Palace, was established in 1932. It has had a long history and is one of the oldest provincial museums in Spain. In 2007 it celebrated its 75th birthday. 

The former provincial museum was very small in comparison to the current one, which is approximately 37 times bigger. As time passed the collections grew and larger facilities were required. In 1995, a new museum project was begun, to move the collections to their current home, the former Hospital of San Juan de Dios. In September 2000, the museum opened its doors with its first four new galleries (Prehistory, Iberians, Romans, and the Middle Ages). In May 2002, HRH. Queen Sofia officially opened the museum, which included four new galleries (Modern and Contemporary and the three thematic galleries). 

Whilst the work on MARQ was underway, a number of other projects were begun, to interpret the archaeological sites of Lucentum-Tossal de Manises (Albufereta, Alicante), the Illeta dels Banyets (El Campello), and the cave art sanctuary of Pla de Petracos (Castell de Castells). In recognition for all the hard work by the museum and its staff, MARQ won the coveted award of “European Museum of the Year” for 2004. The prize was awarded in Athens by the European Museum Forum, Council of Europe. 

Fachada del Museo Arqueológico de Alicante
Fachada del Museo Arqueológico de Alicante
Hall de entrada al MARQ

MARQ and its Thematic Galleries

4.1.THE PUBLIC AREAS

The exhibition space has been designed as three successive areas, each one of which represents a stage in the process of archaeological research and interpretation: 

  • The Three Thematic galleries. This part of the exhibition focuses on the first stage in the study of the past: the archaeological investigation. The galleries cover the different archaeological methods used in different contexts.  These are displayed through four different audiovisuals and large life-size replicas that reconstruct excavations in a cave, a church, and underwater.
  • The Interactives: These exhibits are located in the central hall at the entrance to the thematic galleries. They showcase the different scientific techniques used to study archaeological finds from excavations. 
  • The Five Permanent Galleries: These display the museum’s collections in a chronological order (from Prehistory to The Modern and Contemporary Period). They represent the final phase of the research process – interpretation and display – which is the ultimate goal of archaeology. There are more than 3,000 objects on display and eight audiovisuals with a total screen time of an hour and a half. There are also ten interactive display screens that provide lots of information on Alicante’s archaeological sites, castles, and artistic monuments. 
PLANO MUSEO INGLES

A tour around the MARQ 

 

4.2.THE TECHNICAL AREAS

This is where the different specialist work is undertaken. The majority of these facilities are located in the basement, which is of a similar size to the galleries above. The technical areas are organised into:

  1. Stores. A museum’s collection continually grows as new excavations and research are carried out. One of its main requirements therefore is to ensure that there is sufficient storage space for the future. MARQ’s designers planned for this and there are six large spaces (a total of 1200 m²) and two storage units for large pieces (sculptures, amphora). Finds from 179 archaeological sites are stored here. Recently, part of the stores was converted into an open store where thousands of objects are displayed in storage-display cabinets and are accessible to researchers. 
  2. Conservation area, equipped with the most advanced facilities. 
  3.  Office spaces for management, administration, researchers, maintenance and security. 
EXERCISE ICON
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GRÁFICO ZONAS MUSEO

4.Offices and education rooms. 

5. Library with about 40,000 books and journals. 

6. Archives and documentation. 

7. Conference Hall, where conferences, seminars, workshops and other academic events take place. 

MARQ and its Thematic Galleries

5 A museum artefact’s journey from archaeological site to the display case

We have chosen a special object, the “falcata”, an Iberian sword, to illustrate the journey of an artefact from the moment it is found on an archaeological site until it is displayed to the public in the museum. 

1.DISCOVERY

The process begins with the discovery of an object on an archaeological excavation and continues to the museum for its conservation, restoration and study.

The “falcata” was found in an Iberian warrior’s tomb.

Descubrimiento de Falcata

2.RECORDING

During the excavation, a record of the object is created so that its exact location is known when it is studied later

The “falcata” was given a unique number or code that is written in very small writing on the least visible part of its surface.

3.CATALOGING

A museum object record is created which contains a detailed description of the artefact (dimensions, decoration, date, etc.)

This record of the “falcata” is like its own identification card. It includes details of its characteristics and a photograph or drawing. 

Catalogación de la falcata

4.RESTORATION

If the artefact is in a poor condition it needs to be conserved.  This includes cleaning it in different ways, treating it with different products and, if necessary, sticking missing pieces back together.

With the “falcata,” the surface dirt was removed and a layer of resin was applied to prevent any further deterioration. As the sword was found complete it wasn’t necessary to repair it.

5.EXHIBITION OR STORAGE

Once the object has been conserved, it is either stored in the archive or it is put on public display in the galleries. In either case, the object needs to be kept in suitable environmental conditions to preserve it and prevent any future deterioration. These conditions need to be controlled and monitored regularly to ensure the object’s survival (preventative conservation).

Our “falcata” is now in the Iberian weapons display case in the Iberian Gallery. 

En vitrina
EXERCISE ICON

Conservation and Restoration are processes carried out to prevent archaeological objects from deteriorating and to preserve them. But there is a difference between the two processes – can you identify the two different definitions:

Do you know? Download the following exercise

Thematic Galleries