It preserves one of the most important pictorial and artistic ensembles of prehistory. But it is exposed to possible damage, and authorities are concerned about the fragility of the Altamira cave. For now, the current visitation regime will be maintained. The 'privilege' of access to this cavity with Paleolithic paintings will also continue for young people from the municipality who turn 18 years old. But some protection measures are already being considered.
Problematic conservation
This was said by the Board of Trustees of the Altamira National Museum and Research Center, held this Thursday in Santillana del Mar. It was said that the state of conservation of the cave "is stable within fragility." It allows the restrictive visitation regime implemented in 2014 to be maintained. It was when it reopened after twelve years closed to the public due to the deterioration of the paintings.
Regarding the state of the cave, they explain that "it continues to be active", and "has not slowed down", the loss of paint and rock, "one of the fundamental risks or conservation problems in the cave." This is a process that occurs seasonally during the time when humidity is most intense. Particularly from February to June, on the roof of the Polychrome Room.
But there is good news regarding microbiology. Bacterial colonies located in certain control areas of the paint room are decreasing. In 2025, 252 people accessed the Altamira cave in 52 public visits. All of them cited from that waiting list, made up of those who requested access between 1999 and 2002. When the list was resumed in 2020, there were more than 3,500 applications. Since then, a total of 820 have been managed.
Visits
And as for the Altamira Museum, which includes the 'Neocueva', in 2025 293,700 people visited it. An investment plan is planned to renew the museum project and the permanent exhibition with a view to the year 2029. This is when the 50th anniversary of the museum's constitution will be commemorated. The fragility of the Altamira cave makes its access so complex. The historical relevance of these vestiges requires that all necessary measures be taken for their preservation.
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