Visit Valencia Fine Arts Museum
The Museum of Fine Art in Valencia is one of Spain's most important art galleries. It is located on the Carrer de Sant Pius V on the edge of the old town.
Explore the Fine Arts Museum of Valencia
Valencia's Fine Arts Museum, the Museu de Belles Arts de Valencia, is housed in a lovely 17th century building that was originally the San Pio Seminary College founded by the Archbishop of Valencia. It became the Fine Arts Museum in 1946.
Inside as well as the art works the building has an important 16th century Renaissance courtyard called the 'Courtyard of the Ambassador Vich'
The museum has art works by Valencian artists and artists from around the world. The important Valencian artists featured include Francisco Ribalta, Joaquin Sorolla, Vincente Lopez and Joan de Joanes. There is a whole area dedicated to works by Joaquin Sorolla.
Sorolla was born in Valencia and studied at the School of Arts and Crafts of Valencia and the San Carlos School of Fine Arts in Valencia. He was the first Spanish 19th century painter to become popular both in Spain and abroad. Many of his paintings are Impressionist in style. The exhibition includes information and paintings about his followers and his friends and colleagues as well as his own works.
International artists whose works feature in the museum include Francisco de Goya, El Greco, Anthony Van Dyck and Bartolome Esteban Murillo.
Another highlight is the exhibition area showcasing Gothic Art. These stunning golden alterpieces from the 14th and 15th century include works by Maestro de Bonastre and Alcanyis Pere Nicolau.
There are also a number of temporary exhibition rooms whose displays change from seanson to season.
The Fine Arts Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday and is free to enter. It has a very nice coffee shop and restaurant where you can stop for refreshments. After your visit you can take a stroll through the neighbouring Viveros Royal Gardens.
Attractions nearby
Valencia has a beautiful old town and is an excellent choice for a city break or a longer visit. Its City of Arts and Sciences is a wonderful area of contemporary architecture and home to the Oceanografic aquarium, the largest in Europe.
Art lovers can also visit the Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno (IVAM), a modern art museum with works by the Spanish sculptor Julio Gonzalez.
The National Museum of Ceramics "Gonzalez Marti" is housed in a wonderful Baroque mansion whose plasterwork around the doorway is worth seeing. Inside there are Greek and Roman ceramics and modern ceramics including pieces by Picasso. Visits are very moderately priced.
The Museo del Gremio Artistas Falleros contains the workshops for building the huge papier-maché sculptures that are paraded and burnt during the annual Las Fallas festival in March.
An excellent excursion from Valencia is a day trip to Xativa to see the impressive Xativa Castle which runs along the hilltop above the town. Xativa can easily be reached by car or train from Valencia and the town itself has quite a few sights to see.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Valencia guide and the Valencia and Murcia guide.
Photos of Valencia Fine Arts Museum
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Map of Valencia Fine Arts Museum and places to visit
Valencia Fine Arts Museum places to visit
National Ceramics Museum
Spain's National Ceramics museum is housed in a beautiful Baroque building in the heart of Valencia's old town.
National Ceramics Museum guide
Valencia Silk Exchange
The Silk Exchange of Valencia is a magnificent example of civil Gothic architecture and UNESCO listed.
Valencia Silk Exchange guide
Valencia
An attractive city with an historic centre but also a lively centre with trendy bars, restaurants and shops.
Valencia guide
City of Arts and Sciences
Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences is a spectacular collection of modern buildings housing arts and science exhibitions.
City of Arts and Sciences guide
Valencia Aquarium
The Oceanografic Aquarium of Valencia is the largest in Europe. It is located in the wonderfully modern City of Arts and Science on the edge of the city of Valencia.
Valencia Aquarium guide
Albufera Nature Reserve
A beautiful wetland site to the south of Valencia. It is home to a large bird population.
Albufera Nature Reserve guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Valencia and Murcia