The city of Valencia has many attractions, including its rich cultural heritage. Enjoy your stay in the third most populated city of Spain and visit one of the 35 museums that cover many different themes. Immerse yourself in a world of art, heritage, culture and traditions. We present to you the best museums that you cannot miss out on during your next trip. From the greatest pieces of artwork by the most famous artists to contemporary art exhibitions and the biggest science museum in Europe: Valencia caters for all tastes.
IVAM - The Valencian Institute of Modern Art
The Valencian Institute of Modern Art, also known as IVAM, owns more than 11,000 permanent pieces of art - including paintings, drawings, sculptures and photographs. The native painter Joaquin Soralla but also Julio Gonzalez and Pablo Picasso have had their works exhibited in various temporary collections throughout the years. Why don't you take a break at the museum café before visiting the next one?
Every month, free activities are organized at the museum. Examples include book and poem readings, film projections, musical performances and presentations of local artwork.
In the basement, you can have a look at the big ancient wall that was part of a medieval town and which was discovered during the construction of the site. Both students and art and culture enthusiasts can eat their heart out in the library where no less than 47,000 documents are available.
Address : IVAM, Calle Guillem de Castro, 118, Valencia.
Website : https://www.ivam.es/en/
The Valencia Cathedral Museum
The Valencia Cathedral Museum is a must-see tourist attraction in the city. The cathedral's museum was created in 1761 and is located in the heart of the Holy Chalice Chapel. There are mainly paintings from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, however, two pieces by the painter Goya which were painted in 1799 can also be found here. The cathedral is definitely worth a visit. It was built on the location of an old mosque that was constructed on the former spot of a Roman temple. It proudly looks out at the Queen´s Square and the rest of the city. The bell tower ¨El Miguelete¨ is 51 metres high and offers a magnificent, panoramic view. Keep in mind that you need to climb a staircase of 207 steps to get to the top!
Address : Plaza de la Reina, 46003 Valencia.
The Prince Felipe Museum of Science - City of Arts and Sciences
The Fallero Museum
Centre Del Carme : Contemporary culture
Casa de las Rocas : Museum of Corpus Christi
This space is entirely dedicated to the unique celebration of Corpus Christi, which is a special part of the Valencian traditions. Its origin goes back to 1434 when it was used to preserve the different elements and objects that were used during the festivities. The festival is celebrated annually in the month of June, in the city centre. Processions with members of various brotherhoods parade through the area, accompanied by religious icons. The latter can be found in the museum, where you will learn all there is to know about the celebration of Corpus Christi. Take your family with you while you discover all the statues and carriages on display!
Museum of Fine Arts
The Valencian Museum of Fine Arts is located in the elegant palace of Saint Pius V that was built in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It is a well-known museum in Spain and is home to the most important art collection in the city. You will have the opportunity to admire the works of many masters such as Diego Velazquez, El Greco, Goya, Joaquin Sorolla and Ribera. The museum´s collection started in 1768 and was gradually enriched with paintings, sculptures and engravings made throughout the ages.
There is a restaurant next to the museum, so you can take a break and eat excellent tapas during your visit.
Address : Museo de Bellas Artes, Calle San Pio V, 9, Valencia.
Website : http://www.museobellasartesvalencia.gva.es/
Museum of Natural Science
This museum is located in the heart of the wonderful Royal Gardens of the city and will delight the whole family. An exciting journey will take you through the different eras in history. Fossils and skeletons of extinct creatures such as dinosaurs are on display. The museum has a specific focus on the scientific, regional discoveries and the analysis of the ecosystem and the environment.
Address : Museo de Ciencias Naturales, Jardines de Viveros, Valencia.
Website : http://www.mncn.csic.es/
MUVIM: Museum of Illustration and Modernity
The Valencian Museum of Illustration and Modernity was built on the remains of ancient buildings, that are amongst the most well preserved in the city. This museum offers a good contrast between the modern architecture and the remains of old times. It has various exhibitions throughout the year, on subjects such as photography and design. The museum displays the movement of contemporary art throughout the years and the development of new concepts and ideas. It is located close to the central market of Valencia, which is the perfect spot to enjoy delicious food and replenish energy levels after a visit to the museum.
Address : Gillem de Castro, 8 / Quevedo 4, Valencia.
National Ceramics Museum
Prehistory Museum of Valencia
This museum was created in 1927 to study and preserve the archaeological heritage of the region. A large collection is displayed in the museum; from bones and coins to tools and ceramics. Every area has a different theme and all the items are explained in detail. On the first floor, you will find the permanent exhibition rooms that are dedicated to the Paleolithic, Neolithic and Bronze ages. On the second floor, you can find out more about the Iberian Peninsula and the influence of the Roman Empire.
Address : Corona, 36 (Centre Cultural La Beneficència)
Website : http://www.museuprehistoriavalencia.es/web_mupreva/?q=en
In order to save money on transport, you can use the Valencia tourist card. You can even get a discount on the admission of various attractions, such as museums. Some of the museums offer free entrance on Sundays and festive days.