Geological and Mining Institute of Spain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Geological and Mining Institute of Spain |
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| Native name Spanish: Instituto Geológico y Minero de España |
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| Location | Madrid, Spain |
| Official name: Instituto Geológico y Minero de España | |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Designated | 1998 |
| Reference no. | RI-51-0010188 |
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The Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (in Spanish, Instituto Geológico y Minero de España) is a special place in Madrid, Spain. It is a research institute, which means scientists here study the Earth. They learn about rocks, minerals, and how our planet was formed. This important institute is part of Spain's Ministry of Science.
Contents
Discovering Earth's Secrets: History of the Institute
The idea for this institute started a long time ago, in the 1800s. Back then, a group was created to draw a special map. This map was a geological map, which shows different types of rocks and land features. It helps us understand what's beneath our feet.
The Institute's Home: A Special Building
The main building of the institute is in Madrid, on Ríos Rosas street. It is in an area called Chamberí. The building next door, the School of Mining Engineering of Madrid, was built in 1893. The institute's own building was designed by an architect named Francisco Javier de Luque. It officially opened its doors in 1926. This grand opening happened during a big meeting called the International Geological Congress. Spain was the host country for this important event that year.
Mapping Important Geological Sites
The institute works with the Spanish Geological Society. Together, they have found many important geological sites in Spain. These special places are called geosites. This project began in 1999. It is part of a bigger worldwide effort called the Global Geosites project. This project was started by the International Union of Geological Sciences and supported by UNESCO. The goal is to protect and study Earth's most amazing geological spots.
Exploring the Past: The Geominero Museum
Inside the institute building, there is an amazing museum. It is a geological museum, full of rocks, fossils, and minerals. The museum is in a very large hall. This hall has a beautiful roof made of stained glass, which lets colorful light shine through. This hall was first used for the International Geological Congress in 1926. The museum itself opened to visitors the very next year. Today, it is known as the Museo Geominero.
A Protected Treasure: Heritage Listing
The building of the Geological and Mining Institute is very special. In 1998, it was officially declared a Bien de Interés Cultural. This Spanish term means "Property of Cultural Interest." It is a special protection given to important historical or artistic buildings. This helps make sure the building is preserved for many years to come.
See also
In Spanish: Instituto Geológico y Minero de España para niños
