Centro de Visitantes José Antonio Valverde (Doñana)

About the museum

The José Antonio Valverde Visitor Centre is named after one of the pioneers of the conservation of the Doñana Natural Area; it is also known as Cerrado Garrido, the local place name. It stands in the middle of the marshland, in the municipal area of Aznalcázar, and its architecture recalls traditional marsh huts (chozas marismeñas). It overlooks a restored lucio (a shallow marsh pond) where a varied aquatic fauna gathers.

The centre allows visitors to explore the marsh, one of the main ecosystems of Doñana, and shows the dramatic changes of these wetlands over the year: they fill with the first autumn rains, dry out in spring and are completely dry in summer. It also presents the typical marsh vegetation, the wealth of its birdlife, and the human transformations and uses of the territory. Outside there are observation points for identifying the fauna of the lucio.

It also provides information on the activities of the companies operating in the area and on the public-use facilities of the zone. Access is via unpaved tracks, whose condition should be checked before setting out.

Highlights

• Exhibition on the Doñana marsh and its seasonal changes
• Architecture inspired by marsh huts
• Observatories over a lucio with aquatic fauna
• Audiovisual projection room
• Café and souvenir shop (according to the Ministry listing)

Permanent exhibition

• Exposición permanente sobre la marisma – Exhibition on the marsh ecosystem, its changes through the year, its flora and birdlife and human land uses; currently closed for works.

Operated by

Espacio Natural de Doñana (Junta de Andalucía)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission when the centre is open.

Accessibility

The centre remains closed for works until further notice.

Kids & families

The centre remains closed for works until further notice.

Getting there & parking

Access is via unpaved tracks, about 25 km from Villamanrique de la Condesa, La Puebla del Río and Isla Mayor. The condition of the tracks should be checked at any Doñana visitor centre or by telephone.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café and souvenir shop, according to the Ministry listing (closed during the works).

Events & venue rental

The centre remains closed for works until further notice.