Spain: Museum of Ham, Madrid
- Matthew P G
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
July 2014
On that first visit to Madrid, AFVdR joked about visiting the "Museum of Ham". I thought it would be a funky experience highlighting the story of that well-loved meat in Spain. As it turned out, it is a hilarious play on words for a highly specialized shop. For those not buying "jamon" to go (in various quantities), there are ham sandwiches and beer (and basically nothing else) that customers partake while standing. The place was mobbed!
Founded in 1970 by my grandfather, Mr. Marcelo Muñoz, the family business Marcelo Muñoz e Hijos S.A. takes pride in having created one of the most recognized brands, both within Spain and beyond our borders. The story of Museo del Jamón is a testament to the success of our father, Mr. Francisco Muñoz, who, along with his brother, Mr. Luis Muñoz, managed to establish an innovative business model in the 1970s. Thus, in 1978, the first themed ham restaurant in Spain was born. Since then, Museo del Jamón has evolved and transitioned from generation to generation, carrying forward the same pride and philosophy inherited from my grandfather: hard work, honesty, and a passion for fine Jamón. Today, the third generation of our family remains committed to providing the best quality at affordable prices. We want to continue making our house a home for all Madrilenians and visitors to Madrid, while expanding the great family that we all form as part of this wonderful group. From Madrid to Heaven, passing through Museo del Jamón. Thank you for helping us make this possible. We look forward to seeing you at the tastiest museums in Madrid.
On future trips to Spain I saw "Museum of Ham" knock-offs that were always a tongue-in-cheek reference to the original [see: the Tunnel of Ham, Valencia]. Whenever I saw one, I stopped for a beer (or sometimes red wine) and a sandwich or some charcuterie. The places are literally fast-food since little to no preparation is needed.
A reminded me on that first trip that the Spanish are absolutely serious about their "jamon". Entire national competitions are based on carving a leg of ham correctly - ham is serious (yet could also be fun). That is one thing I love about Spain - it is serious and fun at the same time.
Perhaps the only "food museum" I ever entered (and it was pushing the semantic boundaries of the word), the Museum of Ham remains one of my favorite places in Madrid. In fact, I generally recommend first-timers to make a stop. Eating a ham sandwich with a beer is just so very... Spanish
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