Best Museums in Valencia

Museum tours are the best way to immerse yourself in the essence and history of a city. Valencia has a wide range of museums that treasure works and interactive experiences. Many are among the best things to do in Valencia, as you can discover its past at places like the History Museum or explore scientific and astronomical discoveries at the Science Museum.

The historic center of Valencia could be considered the museum district and is home to gems like the Museo de la Sed, where you can learn about the production of local fabrics. In this area you can also visit the Museum of Fine Arts, known for its variety of works by prominent artists. Or you can visit the Museo Fallero, which focuses on local traditions and festivals. Here is a list of the most outstanding museums in Valencia.

The Science Museum of Valencia is an excellent starting point for a tour of the city's museums. This 21st century building houses an extensive collection that promotes science and technology. During your visit you will be immersed in scientific discoveries thanks to its exhibitions and interactive activities. Each hallway is a pleasant surprise with drawings, objects from different cultures and collections of stones from other eras.

Observe the work of ant colonies, get up close to dinosaur skeletons and witness artistic science shows. I recommend spending at least three hours to wander through the exhibits and take advantage of the activities, as well as buying tickets for the Valencia Science Museum in advance to avoid queues. Don't forget that most of the exhibitions are permanent, but there are also some temporary ones.

Featured exhibitions

• Up to Space: travel into space and connect with the mysteries of astronomy.
• Science Theater: enjoy live performances that combine art, science and culture.
• Science on Stage: discover the experimental classrooms created to offer scientific demonstrations.
• Scientists for a day: if you plan to visit Valencia with children you can sign them up for this activity in which experiments and challenges are performed according to their age.
• Musical shows: if you do not enjoy the theoretical explanations, maybe you can have a better time in the museum shows where you will learn through dances, songs and simulations.

Details of interest

• Price: from 9 € per person, the cost for children may be slightly lower.

Estimated duration: to appreciate all the exhibits and explore the activities you may need three to four hours.

• Hours: generally open from Monday to Sunday between 10:00 and 21:00. It also has special hours on holidays.
• Location: Avenida del Professor López Piñero 7.
• How to get there: you can opt for the Herca and EMT bus lines, which have different schedules and frequencies.

The Silk Museum is another fantastic local proposal. It is a space dedicated to the textile industry and is quite popular because of the Silk Road exhibition. Enjoy a journey through the production of fabrics in Valencia from the 15th to the 19th century. Here you will discover the workings of the ancient trade channel between Asia and Europe and can closely examine a wide range of archives, as well as discover engravings, techniques and materials.

Why is it so important in Valencia? Before becoming a raw material, silk is a protein fiber that goes through several stages. A curious fact is that it comes from a worm called Bombyx Mori, which years ago was imported exclusively by Arabs. Later, the construction of the College of Silk Art was promoted and the city had at least 5,000 looms. Thus, it became the headquarters of artisans from different parts of Europe, being an indispensable piece in the global textile production.

It is not surprising that in this museum you can appreciate costumes related to royalty and the machinery that was used for their manufacture. It is one of the ideal activities for rainy days in Valencia, as the museum offers an enclosed environment with a central location.

Featured exhibits

• Silk at court: from time to time exhibitions are presented that showcase medieval costumes of the monarchy with brocades, silks and velvets that encapsulate the rich craftsmanship of the 15th century. For example, there are props from the Isabella series honoring the life of Queen Isabella I of Castile.
• Museum History: this is one of the main rooms and you will find four centuries of history. You will also learn about the Colegio Mayor de la Seda, from its foundation in the 15th century to its disappearance in the 19th century.
• Collections of clothing: you can learn about the quality of Valencian silk through different types of garments made from this fabric.

Details of interest

• Price: from 11 € per person.
• Opening hours: you can visit it from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00 and Sundays from 10:00 to 14:30. Please note that it is usually closed on Mondays.
• Estimated duration: considering the number of exhibitions and the content of the museum, you may need between one and two hours to complete the visit.
• Location: 7 Hospital Street, in the historic center of Valencia.
• How to get there: from the tourist areas you can get there on foot, but there are different public transport lines that connect with the area.

In March the Fallas Festival is celebrated in Valencia in honor of St. Joseph. It is a tradition that combines music, dances, fire shows and gastronomic proposals.

The Fallas Museum is the perfect place to learn about this ritual with interactive exhibits that are available throughout the year.

This museum was declared a World Heritage Site because it houses historical pieces. It is also one of the cheapest in the city and allows you to discover the reasons why Valencia goes up in flames during these festivities. In context, originally the "Fallas" were torches that were used to light the medieval guard posts. Later, they became figures and statues that are burned to welcome spring.

Outstanding exhibits

• Collection of Ninots Indultados: the ninots are the figures of the fallas and have a particular history, portrayed in each space of the museum.
• Evolution of the fallas: learn about the evolution of this tradition through photographs, audiovisual material and samples of the elaboration of the sculptures burned each year.

Details of interest

• Price: from 2 € per person, with free admission on Sundays and holidays. Also, if you plan to book the Valencia Tourist Card, you should know that it is included.
• Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 14:00.
• Estimated duration: the tour can take from one to two hours.
• Location: Plaza Monteolivete 4.
• How to get there: located in the center, within walking distance of the City of Arts and Sciences, and easily accessible by public transport.

The History Museum is an ideal place to get an overview of the city over the years. You can discover artistic, archaeological, scientific, architectural and historical findings in a building that provides an interactive and educational context.

Without a doubt, it is a must-see destination for those who want to learn about the origins of the city at an affordable price. The museum's own history is quite interesting, as it was initially **Valencia'**s water reservoir. Later, it became an example of architecture, as the edge of its structure flows like a sheet of water in commemoration of the building's original function.

Featured Exhibitions

• History of Valencia: in each corridor you will find archives, photographs and testimonies about local history with exhibits divided into eight historical periods.
• Time Machine: take advantage of this interactive exhibit that transports you to different historical contexts, reflecting the changes the city underwent.

Details of interest

• Price: from 2 € per person, usually free on Sundays and holidays.
• Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 14:00. Closed on Mondays.
• Estimated duration: the visit can take about an hour.
• Location: Valencia Street 42.
• How to get there: the nearest metro station is Nou d'Octubre (Lines 3 and 5).

CaixaForum is a chain of museums of the La Caixa Foundation in the heart of Valencia. Here you can discover permanent and temporary exhibitions in an impressive architectural setting. In fact, it has spacious rooms designed to offer a quality visual experience. Inside you will be able to delight yourself with samples of ancient civilizations, as well as technological developments and contemporary art compilations.

This place is located in the middle of the City of Arts and Sciences, so it is possible to enjoy a fairly complete cultural fusion. There are events, concerts, workshops and activities for the whole family. The best thing to do is to take advantage of those guided tours in Valencia that usually make stops to explore this museum in detail. In this way the visit will be more pleasant, thanks to the company of a guide or an audio guide.

Outstanding exhibitions

• Exhibits on Ancient Civilizations: shows the history of various cultures and their impact on the modern world.
• Technological Developments: discover the changes that humanity has undergone, as well as the most recent findings.

Details of interest

• Price: from 6 €.
• Hours: daily from 10:00 to 20:00.
• Estimated duration: to appreciate all the exhibitions takes between one and two hours.
• Location: in the City of Arts and Sciences.
• How to get there: the nearest metro lines are L5, L6 and L7, with stops at Alameda.

The Museum of Fine Arts is a must-see, considering it is the second largest art gallery in Spain. It houses works by prominent artists such as Goya, Velázquez and Sorolla. Its façade transports you to the 17th century with Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance art. In terms of organization, it is one of the best in Valencia, as it is divided into thematic rooms of periods and styles that facilitate the tour.

During your visit I recommend you stop by the Patio del Embajador Vich, where you will feel like a real monarch. This peculiar space serves as a point of rest and contemplation within the museum.

Outstanding exhibitions

• Sorolla and Goya rooms: learn about the trajectory of two emblematic artists, as well as their most outstanding works.
• Drawings and engravings: discover a collection from different periods.

Details of interest

• Price: admission is free.
• Hours: open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00. It may be closed on Mondays and holidays.
• Estimated duration: the tour of its facilities can take between one and three hours.
• Location: at the Colegio Seminario de San Pío V.
• How to get there: it can be easily reached by public transportation. The nearest metro stop is at the Alameda station.

If you are passionate about art and history, the National Museum of Ceramics and Sumptuary Arts fuses both currents. During the visit you will travel to the Valencian Baroque through the passages of the old Palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas. The tour is ideal to admire the largest creative collection of Valencia, which includes works imported from abroad.

Keep an eye out because in every corner there is something to capture: goldsmithing, furniture from other eras, ceramics and textiles. It also has a collection of works made from precious metals and jewelry. It is located very close to one of Valencia' s tourist bus stops and if you plan to book the Valencia Tourist Card you can get discounts for tickets.

Featured exhibitions

• Salas Nobiliarias: immerse yourself in the lifestyle of a 19th century noble family as you wander the corridors and furnished rooms of this charming palace.
• Art Collections: explore the national collections of ceramics from the 18th century to the present day.

Details of interest

• Price: from 3 € for adults. Free for children under 18, seniors over 65 and retirees. It also offers free admission on Saturdays from 16:00 and Sundays.
• Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00. While on Sundays and holidays it is open from 10:00 to 14:00. Please note that it is closed on Mondays.
• Estimated duration: touring the main rooms and exhibitions can take about two hours.
• Location: Calle Poeta Querol 2.
• How to get there: it is within walking distance of the cathedral and other monuments of the historic center, so it is accessible by public transport.

The Archaeological Center of L'almoina takes you through a wonderful journey through the archaeological remains of different periods. You will be able to see structures from the Roman forum and discover the evolution of Valencia. Travel from the founding of the city in the second century BC to the Middle Ages. From time to time they offer informative workshops, recreational activities and cultural events that enhance the experience.

Here you can see recreations of the hot springs, popular during Roman times. If you plan to spend at least 2 days in Valencia, you can dedicate some time to this museum. You can book a guided tour of the city, as it is usually one of the stops included in this type of activities.

Outstanding exhibitions

• Archaeological Remains: this room houses a sanctuary of Asclepios dedicated to the Greek god of medicine. As well as other archaeological finds from different periods.

Details of interest

• Price: from 2 €. There is a reduced rate for groups, students and people over 65 years old. It is also free on Sundays and holidays.
• Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 14:00. Closed on Mondays and some holidays, such as Christmas and New Year's Day.
• Estimated duration: the tour can take between one and two hours.
• Location: in L'almoina, specifically in the Dècim Juni Brut square.
• How to get there: it is accessible on foot from the center. The nearest bus station is the "Almoina" and is located a few steps from the museum. As for the metro, the nearest station is "Xàtiva" which is approximately 10 minutes walk from the museum.