Valencia has some fantastic museums offering an immersive and enriching experience. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or a science enthusiast, a visit to the best museums in Valencia will surely make your visit even more memorable.
In This Article
1. Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia
Housed in the impressive building of the former San Pío Seminary College, this is the second most important fine arts museum in Spain, after El Prado.
At the ground floor, you can explore an extensive collection of religious paintings, triptychs, and altarpieces by Valencian painters from the Middle Ages.
The first floor is dedicated to artists from the Renaissance to the 19th century inclusive. Among the most notable are the works of Goya, Velázquez, Murillo, El Greco, and Van Dyck as well as those of Valencian painters and sculptors such as Sorolla, Pinazo and Benlliure.
Address: Calle San Pío V, 9, 46010 Valencia
Closed on: Mondays
Price: Free
2. Príncipe Felipe Science Museum
The Príncipe Felipe Science Museum is a popular museum, part of the City of Arts and Sciences complex. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the museum’s architecture resembles the skeleton of a whale, making it a unique and captivating attraction in its own right.
The museum is dedicated to promoting science and technology, making it a fun place to be for inquisitive minds. It offers a range of interactive exhibits and activities and covers topics such as biology, human anatomy, physics and robotics.
The Príncipe Felipe Science Museum is a popular destination for families and an excellent place to visit in Valencia with kids. Most of the exhibits are suitable for kids eight years of age and above, while adults might find them a bit boring.
Address: Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias, Av. del Professor López Piñero, 7, 46013 Valencia
Closed on: December 25th
Price: €8.70 – get your tickets here
3. Silk Museum
This unique museum, in the former College of High Silk Art is the only one of its kind in Spain. It is located in the old Velluters neighborhood (now El Pilar), which was once home to over 3,000 silk artisans.
The museum offers an intriguing look into Valencia’s silk industry and its significance in the region’s economic and cultural development between the 15th and 18th centuries. On display are the oldest and largest silk-related archives in Europe, antique working looms, silk garments, and a variety of silk-making tools.
The museum also has a shop where visitors can purchase silk souvenirs as well as a restaurant and café with a peaceful private terrace.
Address: Calle del Hospital, 7, 46001 Valencia
Closed on: Mondays
Price: €8 – get your tickets here or buy a combo ticket for the Silk Museum + San Nicolás Curch + Santos Juanes Church (€12)
4. La Almoina Archaeological Museum
La Almoina is a unique and fascinating museum in the heart of Valencia, just behind the Cathedral. Situated underground, this city under the city is one of Valencia’s hidden gems. Literally.
The museum was built on the site of the ancient Roman colony of Valentia and features various archaeological remains, including ancient walls, streets, and buildings. It’s an interesting space that follows Valencia’s evolution through history from its founding in 138 BC to the Middle Ages when the Visigoths arrived.
As one of the most important museums of its kind in Europe, its peculiarity lies in the fact that it was built at the intersection of the old Cardo Maximo (on Vía Augusta) and Decumano Máximo.
Address: Plaza de Décimo Juni Brut, 46003 Valencia
Closed: Sundays afternoon
Price: €2. Free on Sundays and public holidays
5. Benlliure House-Museum
The Benlliure House-Museum follows the life and work of the Benlliure family, a prominent family of Valencian artists from the begin of the 20th century. The museum is housed in the family’s former residence and contains an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art created by various members of the family.
Visitors can explore the different rooms of the house, each decorated with period furnishings and artworks and providing a unique glimpse into the family’s daily life and creative legacy.
The charming walled garden is a delightful surprise, but personally, I believe the highlight of the museum is José Benlliure’s art studio. Located in a secluded spot in the garden, the studio features paintings and a treasure throve of objects he collected during his travels.
Address: Calle de la Blanqueria, 23, 46003 Valencia
Closed on: Mondays
Price: €2. Free on Sundays and public holidays
6. L’Iber – Tin Soldiers Museum
L’Iber is another of Valencia’s intriguing niche museum. With over 95,000 pieces, this is the world’s largest collection of historical miniatures.
The Tin Soldiers Museum provides a unique opportunity to delve into the history of warfare and military strategy across different eras, from ancient Egypt and Rome to Spain’s rich military history. Also interesting to observe is the level of detail of each handcrafted soldier, the intricate uniforms and weaponry.
The museum is housed inside the Malferit Palace and has a beautiful courtyard that welcomes visitors upon arrival.
Address: Calle Caballeros, 20, 22, 46001 Valencia
Closed on: Mondays
Price: €8
7. Fallero Museum
The Fallero Museum honors one of Valencia’s most cherished traditions – Las Fallas Festival. This lively and colorful event is held annually to mark the arrival of spring and features giant, satirical sculptures that are set ablaze in a grand finale.
This museum showcases the history and culture behind one of Valencia’s most important festivals, including the craftsmanship and artistry that goes into creating the elaborate sculptures, called ninots.
One of the most interesting aspects of this museum is the possibility to observe the evolution of the ninots. Originally wax and wood figures dressed in cloth, they are now made of environmentally friendly expanded polystyrene. Also, the graphic evolution of the posters is quite striking.
Address: Plaza Monteolivete, 4, 46006 Valencia
Closed on: Mondays
Price: €2.00. Free on Sundays and public holidays
8. Museum of Prehistory and Ethnology
Technically, these are two separate museums – the Museum of Prehistory and the Museum of Ethnology – but since they are both housed under the same roof, inside Centro Cultural La Beneficència, I’ve included them together.
The Museum of Prehistory, covers a vast period of time, from the Palaeolithic to the Roman period. Among the most notable exhibits is the Moixent Warrior, a small Iberian bronze figure depicting a man riding a horse. The museum also has a room dedicated to the history of currency.
The L’Etno Ethnology Museum, on the other hand, explores the traditional and popular culture of Valencia. Some of the displayed objects are so remote in time that their purpose is not immediately discernible. Meanwhile, others are surprisingly familiar. The museum has a futuristic vibe with well-placed, colorful lighting.
Address: Calle de la Corona, 36, 46003 Valencia
Closed on: Mondays
Price: €2. The ticket entitles you to visit the two museums as well as MuVIM. Free on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays
9. National Museum of Ceramics and Sumptuary Arts
Housed in the beautifully restored 18th-century Palace of Marquez de Dos Agua, consider the pinnacle of Spanish Baroque architecture, this museum boasts the largest ceramics collection in Spain.
The first floor features several beautifully decorated rooms filled with furniture, tapestries, objects, garments, and paintings dating from the 15th to the 20th centuries. The Porcelain Room, in particular, with Dresden-made furniture, is a true delight.
The second floor showcases a magnificent assortment of ceramics that spans more than two millennia. From vases and plates to tiles, you will be taken on an enchanting voyage through time and the human creativity. Among the highlights are a 19th-century Valencian kitchen and five pieces by Pablo Picasso.
Address: Calle del Poeta Querol, 2, 46002 Valencia
Closed on: Mondays
Price: €3. Free on Saturdays afternoon and Sundays
10. IVAM – Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno
Located on the edge of the Old Town, IVAM is Valencia’s contemporary art museum and one of the most important museums of its kind in Spain.
The museum has an impressive permanent collection of over 11,000 modern and contemporary artworks, such as paintings, sculptures, drawings and photography. The central axis of the museum are the works of famous artists such as Catalan sculptor Julio González and Valencian painter Ignacio Pinazo.
IVAM also hosts a diverse range of temporary exhibitions, showcasing works by emerging artists and established names alike and is a must-visit destination for art lovers.
Address: Calle de Guillem de Castro, 118, 46003 Valencia
Closed on: Mondays
Price: €5. Free on Wednesday afternoons from 4pm to 7pm and Sundays all day
Please note: Opening hours and ticket prices are purely informative and can change without notice.
