The guide to Valencia´s museums

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

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

Valencia´s cathedral

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

L´Umbracle

The City of Arts and Sciences Museum in Valencia is one of the main tourist attractions in the city: besides being a museum, it is also a futuristic architectural piece made of several buildings combined. The Prince Felipe Museum of Science is part of it and represents the technological and scientific revolution up to this date. It offers the opportunity to have an interactive and entertaining visit in more than 26,000 metres of exhibition space. This makes it the biggest science museum in the whole country. The Oceanographic (an impressive aquarium), the Hemispheric dome with IMAX cinema and the Agora and the Umbracle are all part of this City of Arts and Sciences. You can rent a beachfront holiday home on the coast of Valencia and spend the day with your family in the museum, where all will have an amazing time. 
 
Address : Avenida Autopista del Saler 1-7 46013, Valencia.

The Fallero Museum 

The Fallero Museum

This unique museum is linked to one of the most incredible festivals in Valencia and even in Europe: the Valencian ¨Fallas¨, which take place every year in March. Giant satirical statues are built throughout the year and then assembled in the streets on the 15th of March. The festivities end with the burning of the statues on the 19th of March. Visitors can learn all about the history of this particular event in the museum. The Fallero Museum is located in a former convent which has also been used as a military hospital and barracks, close to the City of Arts and Sciences. 
 
Address : Museo Fallero, Calle Monteolivete, 4, Valencia 

Centre Del Carme : Contemporary culture

Centre Del Carme

Located in the heart of the historic city centre, a former monastery that was established in 1281 is now the Centre of Carme, a cultural space that exhibits contemporary art. A vast program of activities and temporary exhibitions are set up and incorporated by the Consortium of Valencian Museums (CMCV). You can have a great time taking a stroll through this beautiful building made up of various spacious rooms, overlooking a green courtyard. There is also a special room for the youngest visitors.  
 
Address : Calle Museo, 2, 46003 Valencia / España
 

Casa de las Rocas : Museum of Corpus Christi 

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!

Address : Calle Roteros, 8 - 46003 - Valencia

Museum of Fine Arts 

Museum of Fine Arts in Valencia

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

Museum of Natural Science, Valencia

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

MUVIM

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

Ceramic museum, Valencia
 
Spain is famous for its ceramics, pottery and traditional mosaics. If you want to know more about it and like to see examples of the artwork, then the National Ceramics Museum is definitely a spot you shouldn't miss out on. Other decorative objects such as clothing and furniture are also on display. 
 
The museum can be found in the wonderful Palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas that dates back to the eighteenth century. Lovers of ancient buildings and history can admire the decorated walls and ceilings and original pieces of furniture and art which will give an impression of the elegant lifestyle of the Valencian aristocracy at that time. The palace is one of the architectural jewels of Valencia, presenting one of the best examples of Rococo; the European Baroque artistic movement with the representation of two Herculean figures, influenced by Michelangelo. 
 
Address : Calle Poeta Querol, 2, Valencia 
 

Prehistory Museum of Valencia 

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 cardYou 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.

As you can see, Valencia has a great number of interesting museums that are worth paying a visit. A cultural trip with the family is great for some variety, to do something other than just lying on the beach! Have a look at the holiday homes in Valencia to make sure you are close to the best tourist sites in the city.