Centro de Visitantes del Roque de los Muchachos
Visitor centre at 2,426 m altitude on La Palma, devoted to astronomy, the Observatory's telescopes and the heritage of Garafía.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Roque de los Muchachos Visitor Centre stands at 2,426 metres above sea level, in an environment with optimal conditions for astronomical observation and beside one of the world's most important astrophysics observatories. It was created under a management agreement between the Cabildo de La Palma, the Garafía town council and the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), with the aim of making known the importance of astronomy on the island and promoting the natural and cultural heritage of La Palma's highest point.
The route is organised into several rooms. The welcome room houses the reception, the auditorium, the shop and a large interactive table with touch menus showing the inside of the Observatory's telescopes. Room 1, “Canarias, una ventana al Universo” (“Canaries, a window on the Universe”), explains why the archipelago was chosen to host some of the world's most important telescopes. Room 2, “Explorando el Universo” (“Exploring the Universe”), goes deeper into science and the cosmos, and Room 3, “De vuelta a la Tierra” (“Back to Earth”), returns to the municipality of Garafía to present its traditions, way of life and heritage. The project cost about six million euros, funded by the FDCAN.
Highlights
- Interactive table showing the inside of the Observatory's telescopes
- Room “Canarias, una ventana al Universo”
- Room “Explorando el Universo”
- Room “De vuelta a la Tierra” on Garafía
- Auditorium and audiovisual room
- At 2,426 m altitude, next to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory
Permanent exhibition
- Exposición permanente del Centro de Visitantes – Four spaces on astronomy in the Canary Islands, the cosmos, the Observatory's telescopes and the traditions and heritage of Garafía.
- Operated by
- Cabildo de La Palma
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €15 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7.50Canary Islands residents, large families, Spanish residents who are pensioners or over 65, and tourist or cultural groups of at least 10 people with a booking and an accredited guide |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 12 · Children up to 12: free admission. |
| Seniors | €7.50Spanish residents who are pensioners or over 65; pensioners and seniors living in La Palma enter free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for people with disabilities. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €7.50 per personTourist and cultural groups of at least 10 people with a booking made 3 days in advance and their own accredited guide; school groups with a booking, free. |
Public rates in force since 6 June 2022. Free admission also applies to unemployed people in Spain, journalists visiting for work, guides accompanying a group and school groups with a booking; the relevant proof must be presented. Payment by bank card only. Passes are available for visiting two or three interpretation centres on the island, with a 50% discount on the second and third.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The building is adapted to welcome visitors with reduced mobility.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
There is no regular public transport to the Roque de los Muchachos; visitors arrive by car, by taxi or on organised excursions.
By car
Free parking
Free parking for cars, buses and bicycles.
It is on the LP-4 road, in the municipality of Garafía.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop at the entrance, drink and snack vending machines, semi-automatic defibrillator. Free car park.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided visits available on request. Comfortable footwear is recommended and, in the outdoor areas, a hat, sun protection and sunglasses; in winter, a coat. |
