The 5 most interesting museums in Valencia, chosen by an insider!

The 5 most interesting Museums in Valencia, chosen by an insider!

I can already hear you thinking, visiting museums on vacation, I never actually do this and is this something for me? In Valencia there is something for everyone in terms of museums; from history to modern. As an insider, I have listed my 5 favorites with the information you need for your visit!

There is a wide range of interesting museums in Valencia to visit, here you can read more about the following museums: Almoina, Centro Cultural del Carmen, IVAM, Museo de Bellas Artes and Musea de Ceramica. My 5 favorites museums are all located in the center of Valencia, so easily accessible during your city trip in Valencia! Became curious? Read on and see which museum (or maybe museums :-)) in Valencia suits you …

1. Almoina – a city under the city

The perfect place to discover the history of Valencia. The old “Valentia” can be seen here through ancient excavations that have been preserved and are displayed as if you were in Roman times. Museo dell’Almoina collects the most relevant archaeological finds from the excavations from Roman times to the Middle Ages. The museum contains bronze models, pottery, vessels, decorative elements, tombs and even human remains. The visit is supplemented with video / sound presentations and images. It is a true experience because a glass construction has been built on the archaeological remains. Here you literally walk through the history of the city.

The special thing about this museum is that it is only open to the public from 2007. Excavations have taken place from 1985 to 2005. This has led to the discovery of the various monumental buildings and all the archaeological pieces on display here.

Tip: Look in from the outside through the glass, through the reflection you have a great view of the buildings around it: La Seu de Valencia (cathedral) and the Virgen de los Desamperados basilica, for impressive photos to take home!

2. Centro Cultural del Carmen – changing art

This old monastery is not only an impressive sight from the outside, but inside you will find the constantly changing art. The collections vary from modern to history of different artists. So this museum is full of surprises.

The Centro Cultural del Carmen is located in what used to be the Royal Monastery of Our Lady Carmen. This monastery was built after the Christian conquest of the city of Valencia in 1281. But over the years, perhaps more precisely centuries, the building has already undergone numerous extensions and renovations. In time the building lost its religious significance and the monastery was used as a school of the arts (1848-1986).

In 1983, the building was declared a National Historic Artistic Landmark and the Ministry decided to renovate the entire building. The renovation started in 1989 but since it was completed in 2011, the building has its current function; a center for the arts and the headquarters of the Consortium of Museums in Valencia.

Are you a fan of concerts and have you always wanted to experience this abroad? Be sure to check the Centro Cultural del Carmen website before your visit for the concerts that are given in the beautiful patio.

Tip with children: As a family you want to visit the museum, but the children find it less interesting? The museum has a place where especially the smallest children can enjoy themselves for a while: the “ludotheca”, literally translated into a toy library, this says enough, right? 😉

3. IVAM – museum of modern art

Those who love modern art should definitely visit the Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno. The museum was founded in 1989, the art has certainly changed a lot over the years, in the IVAM you will find not only paintings but also photos, objects, sculptures, videos and comics. The collection contains no less than 11,000 works from the 20th and 21st century, divided over 2 buildings. The permanent collection is displayed in the exhibition areas of the Center Julio González with works by, among others, the Spanish sculptor Julio González (sculpture with steel) and the Valencian painter Ignacio Pinazo Camarlench. In addition, IVAM also has temporary exhibitions in the Sala de la Muralla building, see the current program on the website.

Tip: After your visit, be sure to walk around the building and discover a street full of street art! You can of course also choose to sit on a terrace at Mascaraque IVAM, a nice restaurant with a good menu of the day next to IVAM.

4. Museo de Bellas Artes – museum of fine arts

The second largest art gallery in Spain, after the Prado Museum (Madrid) the most important fine arts museum with works from the 15th to the 19th century. This beautiful historic building housing the museum was originally the ‘Colegio Seminario San Pío V’, founded by Juan Tomás de Rocabertí, the Archbishop of Valencia in 1683. Traces of the old school can be seen in the cathedral, and this is thanks to the architect Juan Bautista Pérez.

The building has served a variety of functions: Military Academy for Cadets, House of Charity, Army Supply Store, Military Hospital, until it was elected as the headquarters of the Fine Arts Museum in 1946.

The artistic journey begins with a collection of the so-called “Primitives Valencianos”, the medieval painters and artists such as Alcanyís, Nicolau, Jacomart and Reixach among others. Also on display are the works of artists of the Valencian School such as Joanes, los Ribalta, Espinosa, Vicente López, Sorolla and Pinazo. The various rooms in the museum take you to a journey back in time, there is a wide collection of drawings and etchings, as well as sculptures and archaeological pieces.

Other exhibits include works by famous names such as Pintoricchio, Andrea del Sarto, Van Dyck, Murillo, Velázquez, El Greco and Goya.

Tip: Combine your visit to Museo de Bellas Artes with a walk through the beautiful gardens that lie directly next to it; Jardines del Real.

Tip with children: Visit the Museum of Natural Science here to admire real dinosaurs! (Free entry with the Valencia Tourist Card and on Sundays)

5. Museo de Ceramica – ceramics and more…

This is a beautiful palace, inside and out. Be sure to take a moment to look at it from the outside. The museum is located in “El Palacio Marqués de Dos Aguas”, translated to the palace of the Marquis. Dating back to the 15th century, this palace was renovated in 1740 in rococo style with an impressive alabaster entrance topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary and on either side you can see jugs from which streams flow, symbolizing the Júcar and Turia rivers.

Inside you will find the 18th century carriages, the 19th century rooms, medieval ceramics and an important collection of tiles made in the Royals Ceramics Factory in Alcora. The first collection was a state donation of ceramic pieces by the well-known Spanish draftsman, historian, scholar and founder of Museo de Cerámica, Manuel González Martí. In the years that followed, all kinds of Valencian and international pieces were added, such as pottery, furniture, paintings and, last but not least, ceramics.

This collection is divided into different floors:

• On the ground floor: old courtyard where the marquis’ stables and carriages were located.
• First floor: several private rooms, including a ballroom (see the tip below !!) of the Marquis which is full of ceramic pieces, authentic furniture and painting.
• Second floor: ceramic exhibition with pieces from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Not only for ceramic enthusiasts!

Tip: Once a month on Mondays, a free classical concert takes place in the ballroom by conservatory students. Tickets are difficult to obtain because they cannot be ordered online, but you have to pick them up at the museum the day before. Despite that, definitely worth it!

Also check out my guide on Instagram about more interesting museums in Valencia! Here I also regularly update my experiences. Sign up for the newsletter and receive the foodie e-book for FREE! Here you will find all my tips from breakfast to dinner from a local foodie … Hopefully see you soon in Valencia 😀