Alicante MARQ Reports Strong Summer Attendance and Expanded Evening Access
The Alicante Archaeological Museum (MARQ) closed its vibrant summer program after a season that drew a robust surge of visitors. From July 1 to September 18, a total of 43,524 registered visits were recorded, signaling a rebound to pre-pandemic levels and marking the summer of 2022 as one of the strongest in the past decade for the museum, located in the Diputación de Alicante’s cultural center.
Since 2013, MARQ has typically welcomed about 21,500 visitors during July and August. This year’s numbers far surpassed that norm, with approximately 35,000 attendees—about 13,500 above the long-running average—extending through September 18. The mix of visitors was notably international, with people arriving from all continents. While more than 80% of attendees were Spanish, visitors from many other nations also enjoyed the exhibitions. European travelers from the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and other Northern and Eastern European countries joined guests from the Americas, Oceania, and Asia, underscoring the venue’s broad appeal on the global stage.
Deputy for Culture Julia Parra highlighted the success of the MARQ experience, noting that the summer program played a key role in driving attendance. The standout exhibition Gladiators: Colosseum Heroes is cited as one of MARQ’s most popular displays in recent years. A practical factor contributing to accessibility was the museum’s extended hours during the peak season, with an exceptional late-opening schedule until 23:00 described as the “night museum” concept to welcome more visitors after daytime commitments.
MARQ’s pivotal temporary exhibition this year accompanied the Rome Colosseum and eight other Italian museums in an international loan program that has attracted a total attendance of 73,959 since its opening on April 13. In addition, the museum hosts another significant international show, Atlantic Warrior, which presents Portugal’s national treasures. Three unique pieces are featured and displayed together for the first time in Alicante, remaining on view until October 23. Winter hours currently run from 10:00 to 19:00 for both collections.
The summer program also included a wide array of activities designed to complement the exhibitions. Highlights featured a Summer School that attracted 1,152 children, dramatized guided tours, lectures, workshops, and staged battles organized by the Hispania Romana Association at MARQ and the Lucentum site. Performances at Lucentum continue through Saturday, October 22, and a roundtable focused on historical reenactment assets in Spain is planned for October 1 in the museum’s assembly hall.
As MARQ closes this successful season, officials emphasize the continuity of public engagement and cultural exchange. The combination of immersive exhibitions, extended hours, and diverse programming helps reinforce MARQ’s role as a premier cultural landmark in the region. The ongoing collaboration with international partners further strengthens the museum’s reputation as a hub for archaeology, history, and experiential learning. The public is invited to continue exploring the exhibitions and related programming in the months ahead, with new events anticipated in the fall season. (Source: Diputación de Alicante and MARQ official communications.)