Visit National Ceramics Museum
Spain's National Ceramics Museum is housed in a beautiful Baroque palace in the heart of the old town of Valencia. A visit inculdes a tour of the sumptous rooms of the palace as well as the exhibition of over 5000 exhibits.
Explore the National Ceramics Museum
The National Ceramics Museum is housed in the Baroque palace of the Marques de Dos Aguas. This building is considered to be one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Spain. Its exterior is certainly a sight to behold!
The palace was built in Gothic style in the 15th century and then extensively remodelled in the 17th century in Baroque and Rococco style. The exterior is lavishly decorated and incules a doorway surrounded by carvings of Ignacio Vergara, a Valencian sculptor of the 18th century.
The building was bought by the state in 1949 to house a collection of ceramics donated by Manuel Gonzalez Marti. The palace was restored and the museum opened in 1954.
A tour of the building begins on the ground floor with a collection of carriages and some temporary exhibits. The carriages include the 18th century Nymphs coach, an Empire carriage and a Rococco sedan chair.
On the first floor are the private rooms of the Marquis de Dos Aguas decorated with marble, stucco and many paintings. Particularly noteworthy are the Ballroom, the Red Room and the Porcelain Sitting Room all decorated with a mix of original furniture and furniture reflecting the period.
On the second floor are the ceramics exhibitions. The ceramics range from Ancient Greek, Iberian and Roman to modern pieces.
The collection donated by Manuel Gonzales Marti is mostly medieval ceramics including Hispano-Moresque pieces of the 13th and 14th century. The Medieval Christian ceramics from Manises and Paterna are particularly noteworthy.
The collection has been expanded with many more pieces from different periods and includes Modernist pieces by the Valencian sculptor Benlliure and pieces donated by Pablo Picasso.
One room has been created in the style of a Valencian kitchen with mosaics and tiles from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Collections of furniture, clothing and paintings have also been added to the exhibits. Noteworthy amongst these are a collection of twelve decorative Coptic textile fragments, and paintings by Ignacio Pinazo and José Benlliure, both from Valencia.
The National Ceramics Gallery of Valencia is very modestly priced to enter and free on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings. It is open every day except Sunday afternoon and Monday.
Attractions nearby
Art lovers will also want to visit the Fine Arts Museum of Valencia and another beautiful building to visit is the Gothic Silk Exchange also in the centre of Valencia.
All of the old centre of Valencia is beautiful and this vibrant city is a favourite and well worth a visit.
Lovers of contemporary architecture will be amazed by the stunning contemporary City of Arts and Sciences on the edge of the old town of Valencia. The Oceanografic aquarium, the biggest in Europe is part of this area.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Valencia guide and the Valencia and Murcia guide.
Photos of National Ceramics Museum
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Map of National Ceramics Museum and places to visit
National Ceramics Museum places to visit
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
Valencia Fine Arts Museum
The Fine Arts Museum of Valencia has an excellent display of Valencian and Spanish artists. The display includes beautiful golden altarpieces from the 14th and 15th century.
Valencia Fine Arts Museum 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