Museo Interactivo da Historia de Lugo

Museo Interactivo da Historia de Lugo (MIHL) is a modern museum in Lugo, Galicia, dedicated to the city's history and its Roman origins. It opened on November 29, 2012, a date deliberately chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the Lugo city walls being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum's architecture is its first surprise: designed by the studio Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos, the building sits largely underground so it doesn't compete visually with the historic city around it.

How do you get there?

MIHL is located in Lugo, a city easily reached by car or public transport from other parts of Galicia. The museum sits close to the old town and the Roman walls, so the most practical approach is to combine a visit with a walk through the historic center. Admission is free, which makes it an easy addition to an itinerary even on a tight travel schedule.

What will you see inside?

The building's most distinctive feature is its garden roof, covering roughly 11,300 square meters, beneath which sits a built area of about 4,035 square meters. The garden roof includes sunken circular courtyards that bring natural light down into the interior spaces.

At the heart of the museum is a permanent exhibition on the history of Lugo, covering around 300 square meters. It traces the city's development through audiovisual displays, interactive models and information panels — the source of the museum's "interactive" name. Among the objects on display, look out for a granite monolith bearing the city's founding inscription, commissioned by Paulus Fabius Maximus in honor of Emperor Augustus, along with a terracotta theatrical mask and a collection of epigraphic and ceramic pieces.

A separate room of about 242 square meters hosts temporary exhibitions, which rotate periodically and expand the museum's program with new themes tied to the region's history and culture. Beyond the exhibition halls, the building also houses an auditorium, a library, a café and a gift shop — enough to make it a stop where visitors can easily spend more than an hour, combining sightseeing with a break.

It's also worth noting that the building is heated using biomass boilers, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy and reflecting a broader commitment to sustainable management of cultural venues.

When should you visit?

Opening hours change with the season. During the winter schedule (January 1 to May 31 and October 15 to December 31), the museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 13:30 and 16:00 to 19:30, and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 14:00 and 16:30 to 19:30. During the summer schedule (June 1 to October 14), MIHL opens daily from 10:00 to 14:00 and 16:30 to 20:30. The museum is closed on Mondays, except on public holidays.

Since admission is free and guided visits are available, it's worth allowing a bit of extra time for your visit, especially in summer, when the longer hours make for a more relaxed experience.

Frequently asked questions

Is admission to MIHL free? Yes, entry to the museum is completely free, and guided visits are also available for those who want them.

What is the museum's main highlight? Beyond the interactive exhibition on Lugo's history, the building itself draws attention — largely underground, topped by an expansive garden roof with sunken circular courtyards.

Are there original archaeological artifacts on display? Yes, the collection includes a granite monolith with the city's founding inscription dedicated to Emperor Augustus, a terracotta theatrical mask and various epigraphic pieces.

Is the museum open every day? No, MIHL is closed on Mondays (except holidays), and opening hours vary by season — in summer the museum is open daily and for longer hours.