Attraction
City of Arts and Sciences
Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela's futuristic complex at the eastern end of the Turia riverbed, with a science museum, IMAX cinema, aquarium and opera house.
Museu de Belles Arts de València
Valencia's fine arts museum, founded in 1913 and housed in the San Pío V palace, with Valencian Gothic altarpieces, Velázquez, Goya, El Greco and Sorolla.
At a glance
- Type
- Art museum
- Area
- La Saïdia (Trinitat), Valencia, Spain
- Official site
- museobellasartesvalencia.gva.es
Good to know
- Café
- Cloakroom
- Shop
Why we recommend it
The Museu de Belles Arts de València, also known as the Museo de Bellas Artes or simply the San Pío V, is the city's main art museum and one of the most important in Spain. It was founded in 1913 and occupies the San Pío V palace, a 17th and 18th-century building with a blue-tiled dome on the north bank of the Turia garden. Its collection of around 2,000 works is strongest from the 14th to the 17th centuries.
The museum is the best place to understand Valencian painting. The early rooms are filled with gold-ground Gothic altarpieces by the so-called Valencian primitives, including Gonzalo Pérez, Jacomart and Francisco de Osona, along with works by Bartolomé Bermejo. The Renaissance is represented by Fernando Yáñez de la Almedina and Vicente Macip.
There are also famous names from beyond Valencia. Look for a self-portrait by Velázquez, El Greco's Saint John the Baptist, Goya's portrait of Francisco Bayeu and a Madonna by Pinturicchio. Later rooms cover 19th and early 20th-century art, with works by Joaquín Sorolla, the Valencian painter best known for his light-filled beach scenes, and Ignacio Pinazo. There is also a large series of engravings by Piranesi and a sculpture section.
This is a calmer, less crowded alternative to the big museums of Madrid, and you can see the highlights in about two hours. It suits art lovers above all, but the building itself, with its domed church and courtyard, is pleasant even for casual visitors. Large bags must be left in the cloakroom. Opening days and times are published on the museum's website, which also lists temporary exhibitions; check it before you go, as most museums in Spain close one day a week.
The museum stands at the end of the Trinidad bridge, a short walk across the Turia garden from the Torres de Serranos and the old town. The Jardines del Real, also known as Viveros, are right next door and make a shady stop before or after your visit. From here you can walk along the Turia garden in either direction, or cross back over the river to the Barrio del Carmen.
Museu de Belles Arts de València FAQs
When was the museum founded?
In 1913; it is housed in the 17th and 18th-century San Pío V palace.
What are the highlights?
Valencian Gothic altarpieces, a Velázquez self-portrait, El Greco's Saint John the Baptist, Goya portraits and works by Sorolla and Pinazo.
How long should I allow?
About two hours for the highlights.
Is it crowded?
It is usually much quieter than the large museums of Madrid, especially on weekday mornings.
Can I bring a large bag?
Large bags must be left in the cloakroom.
How do I get there?
Walk across the Trinidad bridge from the old town, about ten minutes from the Torres de Serranos.
What is nearby?
The Jardines del Real (Viveros) are next door and the Turia garden runs past the front.
Where can I check opening times?
On the museum's official website, which also lists temporary exhibitions.