Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia
The most important museum in the Valencian Community, founded in 1837. Because of the importance of its collections, it is one of the first painting museums in Spain, being a clear reference in terms of ancient Valencian masters. In 1936, with the Civil War, the Museum was dismantled and used as a warehouse for the Artistic Treasure, moving part of its funds to Madrid. At the end of the war, and as a consequence of the ruined state of the building, it was decided to move the Museum to the College Seminary of Saint Pius V, current headquarters of the Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia. Inside we can see a large collection of drawings, engravings and sculptures, archaeological pieces, architectural fragments, and mainly a large gallery. Its appeal comes from the great variety and because it allows a correct, wide and continuous reading of the movements and genres of painting from the fourteenth century to the early twentieth century. Somehow it reflects all the fruitful quarries of Valencian artists in different periods of the history of painting. The collection of Valencian Gothic tables from the 14th and 15th centuries is of international relevance, although some of the best-known jewels are the Self-Portrait of Velázquez and two of Italian masters: a complete altarpiece of Gherardo Starnina and a Virgin with Child and donor of Pinturicchio. This is a museum that we recommend you visit on your holiday to Valencia especially if you are a lover of art and history.
Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 to 20:00 Address: Calle de Sant Pius V, 9, 46010 València Price: Free entrance fee
Science Museum
The Science Museum, located in the complex of the City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia and inaugurated on November 13, 2000. Is characterized by its didactic, interactive and entertaining method to explain science, evolution of life, technology and the environment. The motto presented by the museum is “Forbidden not to touch, not to feel, not to think”, in this way it becomes a tool for learning, education and reactivation of the critical capacity of the population. Among the exhibits that stand out in the museum are: Mars, Science Theater, Secrets of the Universe, Astronomy Garden and the protection of drylands to achieve the goals ofsustainable development. Its method of teaching, activities and publications has made it a transmitter of knowledge between the scientific-educational world and society as a whole. We invite you to visit this amazing museum with attractions for all ages, which you will certainly enjoy your visit, and learn along the way.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: from 10:00 to 18:00. and from 10:00 to 19:00. (From 10:00 to 21:00. in summer) Address: Av. del Professor López Piñero, 7, 46013 Valencia Price: 8€
National Museum of Ceramics
The incredible National Museum of Ceramics and Sumptuous Arts González Martí is located in the palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas, born from the passion for ceramics and the collection of its founder, of whom it bears the name. Its creation took place on February 7, 1947, from the donation to the State of the ceramic collection of the marriage formed by Amelia Cuñat and Monleón, and Manuel González Martí, inaugurated as a museum on June 18, 1954. The collection donated by Manuel González Martí marked the beginning of this space that has increased its collections with furniture, clothing and paintings. In the museum stand out the medieval collection of Christian ceramics from Manises and Paterna, the Ninots Chariot (made by Rovira and Vergara around 1750), ancient ceramic pieces and medieval tiles from Valencia and productions from the Royal Factory of Alcora. In addition to other collections such as the original furniture of the Palace and family objects of the Benlliure, Carmelo Vicent or Salvador Giner, sketches of posters and engravings by Luis García Falgás and Luis García Oliver, objects by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez and the ex-collection libris by Agustín Arrojo Muñoz. The museum consists of three floors (ground floor, first and second), each section houses different rooms with a great story to tell. We recommend you to visit this beautiful museum, where just entering through the front door will transport you in time, it is a true experience that you cannot miss.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00 h. and from 16:00 to 20:00 h. Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 14:00 h. Address: Rinconada García Sanchiz 6, 46002 València Price: 3 € (adults), 1,50€ (groups). Under 18, over 65, unemployed and retired, free admission. Free entrance on Saturday afternoon and Sunday
Silk Museum
The Silk Museum has its origin in the fifteenth century occupies what was the seat of the College of the Major Art of Silk. The plot of the current building was acquired in 1494, but the building (which was declared a national historic-artistic monument in 1981) underwent various architectural transformations throughout its history, showing a mainly baroque style, with gothic elements. It arises from the need to unify the criteria for silk production in Valencia given the conflicts caused by the lack of quality of some producers. The Museum consists of three main rooms full of history, the first is the Hall of Fame, the main room of the school and where the top leaders of the institution met. José Vergara’s ceiling fresco and the 18th century Valencian ceramic floor are his main attractions. Secondly, the chapel, decorated with white and green tile flooring, creates a spectacular optical effect. And finally, the historical archive, with countless documents that keep the history of the guild over the course of five centuries. Among these documents we can highlight the books of records, the books of official teachers and apprentices, books of administration and inspection of factories and shops. It should be noted that the College, in its inspection work, was able to seize and burn fabrics that did not comply with the ordinances. Valencian economic history cannot be understood without the documentary contributions of this archive. In this case, documentation is important not only for the value of the information that can be found in it, but for the documentary continuity of it.This valuable heritage takes everyone who visits it into the rich history of silk that lived in Valencia for three centuries.
Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00 to 19:00. Sunday: 10:00 to 14:30. Address: Calle de l’Hospital, 7, 46001 València Price: 7€ general. Under 12 years, free admission.
Oceanographic Museum
The largest aquarium in Europe was inaugurated on February 14, 2003, located in the City of Sciences and Arts. This beautiful complex is the work of the architects Félix Candela and José María Tomás Llavador, and the engineers Alberto Domingo and Carlos Lázaro, where the different marine habitats (seas and oceans) are represented in an area of about 110,000 m2. The facilities are dedicated to the following aquatic environments: Mediterranean, wetlands, temperate and tropical seas, oceans, Antarctic, Arctic, islands and Red Sea. Among its fauna there are dolphins, belugas, sea lions, seals, penguins, turtles, sharks, rays, fish, jellyfish, stars, sea urchins, crustaceans, among others, spider crabs, as well as reptiles and birds typical of wetlands, such as those that live in the Albufera de Valencia and in tropical mangroves. It is a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums, is the first aquarium in Europe accredited by the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the most demanding accreditation in the world in animal care and welfare. In addition, the Oceanogràfic de València has achieved the animal welfare certification granted by the American Humane (AH) through its Humane Conservation program.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Address: Calle d’Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 1B, 46013 Valencia Price: €27.90 adults, €21.00 Reduced, €12.55 School groups, free entry for children from 0 to 3 years old.