Museo del Calamar Gigante, Marine biology museum in Luarca, Spain
The Museo del Calamar Gigante is a marine museum in Lluarca that displays about ten specimens of giant squids alongside skeletal remains of whales found in local waters, arranged in circular gallery spaces. The collection also includes recordings and documentation of these deep-sea creatures shown through display panels and viewing cases.
The museum developed from a collection managed by the organization CEPESMA and moved to its current location in 2022. This relocation followed water damage that affected the previous facility in 2014, prompting the need for a new home.
The museum reveals how local fishing traditions connect to encounters with deep-sea creatures that wash ashore, shaping how this coastal community views the ocean. Through the displays, visitors sense how giant squids have captured the imagination of people living by the Atlantic.
The galleries are laid out clearly and easy to navigate, and the exhibitions can be viewed in roughly an hour. Visitors should check opening days ahead of time, as schedules may vary seasonally.
The museum preserves video and audio recordings of living giant squids, a rare feat since these creatures are seldom filmed in their natural deep-sea environment. These uncommon recordings give visitors a glimpse of the behavior and movement of these mysterious beings that few people ever witness.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
