Interested in art?

Below is a selection of top Valencian museums:

IVAM (Valencian Institute of Modern Art)

This contemporary art center consists of two sites: an ultramodern building and a 13th-century former convent. This centre houses permanent collections of the works of Julio González, a pioneer in iron sculpture and other temporary exhibitions of painting, photography and modern art, from the avant-garde movements of the early 20th century to the present. Furthermore, in an underground room you can see a long section of Valencia’s medieval city wall, destroyed more than a century ago, which was discovered during construction work on the building.

• Guillem de Castro, 118 / Phone: (+34) 96 386 30 00
• Website: www.ivam.es

Valencia Museum of Fine Art

The museum is housed in a baroque building and comprises more traditional art, works of Juanes, Ribera, El Greco, Pinazo and Joaquín Sorolla. There are also, however, paintings by other artists such as Sarto, Van Dyck, Murillo, Velázquez and Goya. Moreover, there are interesting examples of contemporary art and an archaeological collection in the sculpture section.

• San Pío V, 9 / Phone: (+34) 963 870 300
• Website: www.cult.gva.es/mbav

González Martí National Museum of Ceramics and Sumptuous Arts

Housed in the Palace of the Marquis de Dos Aguas, one of Spain’s most beautiful palaces. The museum offers a major collection of ceramics, with prehistoric, Roman, Greek and Moorish items. There are also plenty of contemporary works. Two curiosities: a Valencian cuisine made of tiles and objects decorated by Picasso. The original building dates from the 15th century although it was completely renovated during the 18th. Have a look at the luxurious ballroom inside and visit the fabulous Ceramics Museum.

• Rinconada García Sanchis, s/n Phone: (+34) 963 516 392
• Website: www.mnceramica.mcu.es

MUVIM

The Valencian Museum of Enlightenment and Modernity focuses on the history of ideas and thought. In an exhibition space of over 2000 meters, we can get closer to the key of the history of Western thought and society. The visitor is immersed in scenarios that recreate the cultural landmarks of each time: from the Middle Ages through the Scientific Revolution of the Modern Age, the Enlightenment, rationalism of the 18th century and Science in the Contemporary Age, to the current discussions on the postmodernity.

• Guillén de Castro 8 / Phone: (+34) 963 883 730
• Website: www.muvim.es

Diocesan-Cathedral Museum

Inside Valencia’s cathedral, you will find the oldest museum in the city, founded in 1761. The museum’s collection consists primarily of religious wooden images, paintings, and other sacred objects and silver work. Among these pieces is a notable collection of works from the 14th century, pieces by Jacomart, the two Hernandos, Juan de Juanes, and the most well-known, two paintings by Goya, The Farewell to Saint Francis of Borja, and the Condemned. Amongst the sculptures on display, mention should be made of original pieces from the 14th-century Gothic, Los Apóstoles door, and the Christ of the Good Death by Alonso Cano. Furthermore, you can see the processional monstrance and other items in precious metals, such as chalices and reliquaries from the 14th and 15th centuries. The cathedral also holds one of the most sacred items donated by King Alfonso the Magnanimous: The Holy Grail (or the Holy Chalice) used by Christ to celebrate the Last Supper.

• Plaza de la Almoina, s/n / Phone: (+34) 963 918 127
• Website: www.catedraldevalencia.es

Valencia History Museum

Valencia History Museum aims fundamentally to teach and explain the twenty-two centuries of the city’s history using the latest technologies, whilst establishing a certain involvement with the visitor. The permanent exhibition is structured in eight historic stages: Valentia, Balansiya, Valencia in the Middle Ages, the Brotherhoods to the Nueva Planta, Bourbon Valencia, the city of steam, truncated modernity and modern Valencia. A time machine transports the visitor to the history, culture, and the traditions that make up the Valencian way of life.

• Valencia, 42 / Phone: (+34) 963 701 105
• Website: www.mhv.com.es 

Fallas Museum

Particular to the city is the Fallas museum, which features papier-mâché figures saved by popular vote from the flames during the city’s big festival, Las Fallas. The collection of this museum includes the most popular Ninots since 1934.

• Plaza de Monteolivete, 4 / Phone: (+34) 963 525 478 (Ext. 4625)
• Website: www.fallas.com