Altamira Cave Art

Paleolithic Cave Art was found in Altamira Cave (Spain) dating 18,500 years ago.

Altamira was the first cave discovered to have prehistoric paintings

In the late 1800's an amateur archaeologist was led by his 9 yr old daughter to find this cave

Naturally, this was a very popular place for visitors, however, the carbon dioxide from breathing in the close confines of the cave began to deteriorate the paintings between 1960's and 70's and the cave was closed to the public for its preservation and historic value.
A replica cave was constructed nearby for viewing and completed in 2001.
The "Time Line" is as follows (courtesy of museodealtamira)

          1879 - Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola discovers the art in Altamira Cave.

• 1880 - Sautuola publishes "Brief notes on some Prehistoric Objects in the Province of Santander".
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• 1902 - The scientific community recognises the age and importance of the paintings in Altamira Cave.
  
  
• 1910 - Santillana del Mar Town Council creates Altamira Cave Protection and Conservation Board.
  
  
• 1911 - The Town Council appoints the first cave guide.
  
  
• 1924 - Altamira Cave is designated National Monument.
  
  
• 1925 - The Board or Commission for the Management and Exploration of Altamira Cave is founded, to increase the protection of the cave, avoid its deterioration, and study its contents adequately.
  
  
• 1940 - Altamira Cave Trust is formed.
  
  
• 1955 - Altamira Cave is visited by about 50,000 people in one year, and the first warnings about the deterioration of the paintings are made.
• 1957 - A Technical Commission is formed, with the task of reinforcing the decorated ceiling with stone walls.
  
  
• 1973 - Altamira Cave is visited by more than 174,000 people.
  
  
• 1976 - A Research Commission is formed to analyse the state of conservation of the cave paintings.
  
  
• 1977 - The cave is closed to tourist visits.
  
  
• 1979 - Altamira National Museum and Research Centre is founded as the means of co-ordinating the studies and research of the Artistic Heritage Office.
  
  
• 1979 - The University of Santander commences its research on the conservation of the paintings in the cave.
  
  
• 1982 - Altamira Cave reopens to the public with a maximum of 8,500 visitors a year.
  
  
• 1992 - The Museum Trust agrees to the plan for the present museum design.
  
  
• 1993 - A new Research Programme begins.
  
  
• 1997 - The Consortium for Altamira is formed, and work begins on the new building.
  
  
• 2001 - The new Altamira National Museum and Research Centre opens.