Best Museums in Valencia

Museum routes 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 of art 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 centre 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 textiles. In this area you can also visit the Museum of Fine Arts, known for its variety of works by prominent artists. Or head to the Fallas Museum, which focuses on local traditions and festivals. Here is a list of the most outstanding museums in Valencia.

Valencia's Science Museum 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 corridor is a pleasant surprise with drawings, objects from different cultures and collections of stones from other eras.

Watch ant colonies at work, get up close to dinosaur skeletons and witness artistic science shows. I recommend spending at least three hours wandering around the exhibitions and making the most 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 Theatre: 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 carried out according to their age.
• Musical shows: if you don't enjoy the theoretical explanations, perhaps you can have a better time at the museum's shows where you will learn through dances, songs and simulations.

Interesting details

• 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.

• Opening hours: generally open Monday to Sunday between 10:00 and 21:00. It also has special opening hours on public 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 timetables and frequencies.

The Silk Museum is another fantastic local attraction. It is a space dedicated to the textile industry and is quite popular for its Silk Road exhibition. Enjoy a journey through the production of textiles 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 be able to examine a wide range of archives up close, as well as discover engravings, techniques and materials.

Why is it so important in Valencia? Before becoming a raw material, silk is a protein fibre 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 5000 looms. In this way, it became the headquarters of artisans from different parts of Europe, being an indispensable part of global textile production.

It is not surprising that in this museum you can see 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.

Outstanding exhibitions

• Silk at court: from time to time there are exhibitions showing 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 honouring the life of Queen Isabella I of Castile.
• History of the museum: 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 will be able to 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: Calle Hospital 7, in the heart of the historic centre of Valencia.
• How to get there: you can get there on foot from the tourist areas, but there are different public transport lines that connect with the area.

In March, the Fallas festiv ities are held in Valencia in honour of Saint Joseph. It is a tradition that combines music, dances, fire shows and gastronomic offerings.

The Fallas Museum is the perfect place to learn about this ritual with interactive exhibitions that are available all year round.

This museum has been 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, the "Fallas" were originally torches that were used to light medieval watchtowers. Later, they became figures and statues that are burned to welcome spring.

Outstanding exhibitions

• Collection of Indultados Ninots: 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 burnt each year.

Details of interest

• Price: from €2 per person, with free admission on Sundays and public holidays. Also, if you plan to book the Valencia Tourist Card, you should know that it is included.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00, Sundays and public 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: it is located in the centre, a short distance from the City of Arts and Sciences, and is easily accessible by public transport.

The History Museum is an ideal place to gain an insight into 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.

It is definitely 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 originally **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.

Exhibitions of note

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

Interesting details

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

CaixaForum is a chain of museums belonging to 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 civilisations, 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. This way the visit will be more pleasant, thanks to the fact that they offer the company of a guide or an audio guide.

Outstanding exhibitions

• Exhibits on Ancient Civilisations: 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 discoveries.

Interesting details

• Price: from €6.
• Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 20:00.
• Estimated duration: it takes between one and two hours to see all the exhibitions.
• 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 that it is the second largest art gallery in Spain. It houses works by leading artists such as Goya, Velázquez and Sorolla. Its façade takes you back to the 17th century with Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance art. In terms of organisation, it is one of the best in Valencia, as it is divided into thematic rooms according to periods and styles, making it easy to explore.

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 place to rest and contemplate inside the museum.

Outstanding exhibitions

• Sorolla and Goya rooms: discover the careers 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.
• Opening hours: open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00. May be closed on Mondays and public holidays.
• Estimated duration: a tour of the facilities can take between one and three hours.
• Location: in the Colegio Seminario de San Pío V.
• How to get there: easily accessible by public transport. The nearest metro stop is 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 back to the Valencian Baroque through the passages of the former Palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas. The tour is ideal for admiring the largest creative collection in Valencia, which includes works imported from abroad.

Keep your eyes peeled because there is something to capture in every corner: gold and silver work, furniture from other periods, ceramics and textiles. There is also a collection of works made from precious metals and jewellery. It is very close to one of Valencia' s tourist bus stops and if you plan to book the Valencia Tourist Card you can get discounted entrance 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 under 18s, over 65s and senior citizens. There is also free admission on Saturdays from 16:00 and Sundays.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00. On Sundays and public 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 around two hours.
• Location: Calle Poeta Querol 2.
• How to get there: it is within walking distance of the cathedral and other monuments in the historic centre, so it is accessible by public transport.

The L'almoina Archaeological Centre takes you on a wonderful journey through archaeological remains from 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 2nd 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 activity.

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 the over 65s. It is also free on Sundays and public holidays.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00, Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 14:00. Closed on Mondays and some public 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 Plaça Dècim Juni Brut.
• How to get there: accessible on foot from the centre. The nearest bus station is the "Almoina" and is just a few steps from the museum. As for the metro, the nearest station is "Xàtiva" which is approximately 10 minutes walk from the museum.